Isolation and the Adult Male Perpetrator of Child Sexual Abuse: Clinical Concerns (From Incest Perpetrator: A Family Member No One Wants To Treat, P 74-87, Anne L. Horton, Barry L. Johnson, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-121328)

• NCJ Number: 121333
• Author(s): J F Gilgun; T M Connor
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Interviews with 14 male perpetrators of child sexual abuse and consultation with 30 clinicians who work with perpetrators form the basis of this analysis of how these offenders experienced isolation throughout their lives.

Abstract

The study viewed isolation as both a quality of the inner life and as a social and psychological characteristic. Each perpetrator interviewed described lifelong isolation, beginning in the family of origin, extending into adolescence, and continuing into adulthood. Their environments contained few emotional resources. Problems in their parents' marriages and problems in their relationships with their parents also led the men to doubt that they were lovable. They also tended to be loners during childhood and adolescence and did not deal well with the issues of establishing intimate relationships and relationships with members of the opposite sex. Their inability to form relationships continued into adulthood where, as during adolescence, they were preoccupied with sex. However, they were isolated from their spouses and unable to share their inner thoughts and feelings. Findings indicate the importance of assessing the relationship history of perpetrators of sexual abuse and of providing treatments that help perpetrators connect with other people in meaningful ways. 13 references.