Offender and Victim Characteristics of Registered Female Sexual Offenders in Texas: A Proposed Typology of Female Sexual Offenders

• NCJ Number: 206078
• Journal: Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2004 Pages: 121-137
• Author(s): Donna M. Vandiver; Glen Kercher
• Date Published: April 2004
• Length: 17 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined patterns in offender and victim characteristics of registered female sexual offenders, resulting in a proposed typology of 6 female sexual offenders.

Abstract

Female sexual offenders have been largely ignored by law enforcement and researchers alike, delaying progress in the development of a typology of female sexual offenders. Early studies toward this end have relied on small samples, making generalizations problematic. The current study relies on two primary data sources: the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) sex offender registry and criminal histories from the criminal history division of the DPS. Data included all arrests, sentences, offender demographic and offense information, and victim information on 471 adult female sexual offenders in Texas. Results of hierarchical loglinear modeling revealed a pattern of complex relationships between offenders and victims; more than one variable mitigated the identification of preferred victims. Results of cluster analysis indicated 6 distinct types of female sexual offenders, the most common type being the heterosexual nurturers (N = 146). Heterosexual nurturers were the least likely group to have an arrest for a sexual assault and were likely to be Caucasian and approximately 32 years of age. Victims of this offender type were most likely to be males of around 12 years of age who were acquaintances or relatives of the offender. Other types of adult female sexual offenders included noncriminal homosexual offenders, female sexual predators, young adult child exploiters, homosexual criminals, and aggressive homosexual offenders. Limitations of the study include the limited scope of characteristics that were examined. Future research should utilize a large cross-national sample to validate and clarify the categories expressed in the current findings. Tables, figures, appendix, references