NCJ Number
195496
Journal
Journal of Sexual Aggression Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: 2002 Pages: 5-21
Date Published
2002
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article presents a review of the current literature on female sex offenders, and results of a study of 12 female sex offenders in the correctional system of Victoria, Australia to determine whether the characteristics of the offenders in the Victorian system were consistent with existing knowledge about female sex offenders.
Abstract
It has become quite apparent that females commit sexual crimes against children and that there is a lack of clarity concerning the nature and extent that these crimes reflect in current theories and research. This article begins with a review of the current literature on female sex offenders in order to provide an appropriate context for the study. The literature review provided information on demographic characteristics, psychopathology, offense characteristics, deviant arousal and cognitive distortions, theoretical approaches, offender typologies, and motivations for sexual abuse. The study had two major goals: to conduct a detailed analysis of 12 female offenders convicted of sexual offenses against minors under the age of 16 and in the correctional system of Victoria Australia, and to determine if the characteristics of the offenders in the correctional system were consistent with the existing knowledge about female sex offenders. The 12 women represented all the known female offenders in the Victorian justice system at the time. Three analysis measures were utilized in the study: structured/clinical interview, sentencing comments, and the Minnesota Multiphase Personality Inventory (MMPI-2). A number of important points resulted from the study: (1) female offenders should be viewed as perpetrators of sexual crimes against children and not just victims; (2) female sex offenders have both features in common with male offenders and some features that are quite different; and (3) preliminary research and clinical experience indicate that female sex offenders are a heterogenous group categorized according to their psychological and offense characteristics. The majority of women in the study could be classified in the male accompanied: rejected/revengeful groups. Some study participants played an active and forceful role in the offending and seemed to enjoy the experience. It was recommended that treatment for sexually abusive women be tailored to meet their specific needs and characteristics. References