NCJ Number
213156
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: 2005 Pages: 1-24
Date Published
2005
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This study examined national survey data to explore the characteristics of adult sexual offenders, particularly in terms of their proclivity to select victims based on age and gender.
Abstract
Data on sex offense instances from the 2000 National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) indicated that adult males were the perpetrator in 96 percent of the offenses and Caucasians were offenders in approximately 75 percent of offenses. Male perpetrators offended against child victims in 25 percent of cases, predominantly victimizing female children, and offended against adolescents in about 40 percent of cases, again predominantly victimizing female adolescents. Female perpetrators offended against child and adolescent victims at approximately the same rate (40 percent and 45 percent) and victimized children of both genders equally. Females who engaged in non-forcible offenses predominantly victimized males. Adult male perpetrators victimized adults in 36 percent of cases while female perpetrators victimized adults in only 16 percent of cases. These general trends are useful for professionals treating sex offenders and victims. Data on 2000 forcible and non-forcible sex offenses were drawn from the NIBRS, which was accessed online though the Uniform Crime Reporting program. Information on sex offenses were voluntarily submitted to the 2000 NIBRS by 19 States. Data analysis focused on examining perpetrator gender and race, victim gender and age group, gender of adult offender and victim, and gender of adult offender by victim gender and age. Statistical analysis techniques included chi-square statistical treatments and cross-tabulations. Tables, figures, note, references