NCJ Number
220464
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 31 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2007 Pages: 871-883
Date Published
August 2007
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Utilizing an all female sample, this study examined possible mechanisms for the relationship between history of childhood sexual abuse and the likelihood of perpetrating sexual abuse as an adult.
Abstract
Study results indicate that female prisoners convicted of sexual offenses against children reported more frequent instances of childhood sexual assault (CSA) than female prisoners who were not convicted of sexual offenses. In terms of the nature of the CSA history, it was found that women in the sexual-offender group experienced CSA for a greater duration of time than women in the non-sex offender group. Relatively little research has been conducted on female sex-offenders in comparison to males. However, research does exist that suggests that the experience of childhood sexual abuse may be a risk factor for the later perpetration of sexual abuse of children. It was hypothesized that Borderline and Antisocial Personality Disorder tendencies would mediate the relationship between these two forms of abuse. With a study sample of 142 female participants (61 sex-offenders and 81 non-sex offenders), this study explored mechanisms for the possible link between childhood victimization and sexual abuse of children perpetrated by women. It also examined whether the nature of women’s own history of CSA, such as duration and relationship to the abuser, was associated with perpetration of sexual abuse of children. Tables, references