NCJ Number
153338
Date Published
1994
Length
70 pages
Annotation
Based on a pilot study of eight female adolescent sex offenders, this report examines the nature, causes, and treatment of these offenders, with emphasis on the impact of mother- daughter dynamics.
Abstract
The authors' view is that unresolved childhood sexual abuse may be the source of an adolescent or adult female's abuse of self, others, or both. Their theory and research focus on the role of mother-daughter dynamics, the role of intrapsychic identification with the aggressor, and the need to treat victim issues in female offenders. Their research revealed a pattern of intergenerational sexual abuse, in which perpetration by females may begin with the victimization either of the female offenders or of the offenders' mothers. Their group therapy went beyond the behavioral and cognitive approaches to include creative and expressive therapies such as dance movement therapy, storytelling, body tracings, and videos. 50 references and appended proposal for intensive treatment