NCJ Number
126804
Date Published
1989
Length
54 pages
Annotation
The term child sex ring is defined as one or more offenders simultaneously involved sexually with several child victims. Child sex rings have many dynamics different from "typical" intrafamilial abuse cases: multiple victims, multiple offenders, the victim's parents, and the gender of the victim.
Abstract
Two thirds of all victims molested outside the home are boys. The two major patterns or types of child sex ring cases are historical child sex rings and multidimensional child sex rings. Historical child sex rings involve male offenders and male victims, preferential molesters, sexual motivation, child pornography and child erotica, and control through seduction. Multidimensional child sex rings seem to have the following four dynamics in common: (1) multiple young victims, (2) multiple offenders, (3) fear as the controlling tactic, and (4) bizarre and/or ritualistic activity. One advantage to the investigation of child sex rings is that the possibility of developing significant corroborative evidence is far greater than in one-on-one sexual abuse cases. The best and easiest way to avoid child victim testimony in court is to build a case that is so strong that the offender pleads guilty. 13 references and appendix