NCJ Number
190188
Date Published
2000
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study compared experiences of adult and adolescent female sex offenders with experiences of other female and male sex offenders.
Abstract
Female sex offenders (N = 18) were compared with male sex offenders (N = 332) and with females who were not sex offenders (N = 215) on various experiences in their personal histories. Female sex offenders who were victims of sexual abuse were compared to female sex offenders who were not. The study was part of a comprehensive 7-year research project that dealt with comparative experiences and characteristics of adult and adolescent sex offenders, victims, and their families. The groups in this study were analyzed with regard to an array of variables, including psychological, medical, gynecological, urological, drug, law enforcement, homicidal and suicidal histories, sexual difficulties and dysfunctions, sexual health, and life stressors. Female and male sex offenders differed significantly on numerous psychological, life stressor, and sexual variables. Female sex offenders differed significantly from females who were not sex offenders on the same set of variables, and they were significantly younger. The study suggested that psychological histories might be important building blocks to consider in exploring the cognition of female sex offenders. Tables, references