NCJ Number
171450
Date Published
1997
Length
7 pages
Annotation
After defining the nature of sexually abusive behavior, this paper discusses the range of juvenile sex offender characteristics as well as the range of offense scenarios and behaviors.
Abstract
Sexually abusive behavior has been defined as any "sexual interaction with persons of any age that is perpetrated against the victim's will, without consent, or in an aggressive, exploitative, manipulative, or threatening manner." Definition of the acts that constitute sexual abuse cannot be approached in terms of behavior alone. Relationships, dynamics, and impact must be considered as well. It is clear that an older adolescent's sodomizing a small child is sexual abuse, but as age differences narrow and the behaviors become less intrusive and less aggressive, the interaction and relationship between the two juveniles needs evaluation. In any sexual interaction, the factors that are useful when assessing the presence or absence of exploitation are equality, consent, and coercion. The vast majority of currently identified sexually abusive youths are male, with a modal age of 14. These youths are likely to be white and living with two parental figures at the time of the offense. They rarely have any previous conviction for sexual assault, but often this conviction is not the first offense, nor the victim the first victim. The majority of these juveniles are attending school and achieving at least average grades. The range of social characteristics includes every type of youth. The juvenile's stage for sexual exploitation is often the home of either the victim or offender, but it may be out-of-doors somewhere in the neighborhood. Many sexually abusive youth abuse the same victim on more than one occasion, sometimes over a period of months or even years prior to disclosure or discovery. 17 references