NCJ Number
152677
Journal
Journal of Addictions and Offender Counseling Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: (October 1994) Pages: 24-32
Date Published
1994
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Using a quasi-experimental design, this study examined the relationship between childhood sexual victimization and the number of victims reported by a group of 40 convicted sex offenders in a treatment program in Amarillo, Texas.
Abstract
Data were gathered during the initial screening process, before referral to the treatment process, using an oral interview and several psychological tests. Results supported the research hypothesis that child sexual offenders who admitted to sexual victimization during their own developmental years reported larger numbers of victims than did those who denied childhood sexual victimization. Findings suggested that childhood sexual victimization sometimes results in repetitive sexual offenses by the adult offender and may represent an attempt to undo or resolve their own traumatic experiences of victimization. Other explanations may include attempted resolution of nonsexual life issues or conflicts encountered during psychosocial development such as physical or emotional abuse. Nevertheless, methodological factors such as the use of self-reports threaten the external validity of the conclusions. Table, figure, appended items from instruments, and 12 references