NCJ Number
157194
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1995) Pages: 322-333
Date Published
1995
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Similarities and differences in the criminal methods of male and female perpetrators of child sexual abuse were examined by means of an analysis of reports of child sexual abuse by 53 victims of female perpetrators and 53 victims of male perpetrators.
Abstract
The victims were outpatients at a midwestern children's hospital. Their records were selected from reports of sexual abuse between 1983 and 1988. Victims were matched for age, race, and sex. None of the children had been abused by the same perpetrator. Results revealed that females were more often involved with males in co-offender situations and were also more likely than males to exploit their victims by allowing other adults or children to use the victim sexually. Females were also more likely than males to use foreign objects to perpetrate sexual abuse. Male offenders were reported to be more sexually invasive than females in their abuse and were more likely to use bribes to obtain victim cooperation. Findings suggested both similarities and differences in the types of abuse committed by male and female offenders. Tables, recommendations for further research, and 15 references (Author abstract modified)