NCJ Number
179178
Editor(s)
Randall Lockwood,
Frank R. Ascione
Date Published
1998
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study compared convicted rapists with convicted child molesters; both groups had volunteered for a treatment program at the North Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center (NFETC) and had undergone the same selection process.
Abstract
Data were obtained from 64 consecutive admissions to the NFETC over a 21-month period. Of these admissions, 21 were rapists and 43 were child molesters. Statistical analysis of interview data indicated rapist and child molester groups were similar in racial composition, although differences were observed with respect to family and parent child relationships. Men in both groups reported having been victims of child sexual abuse, one-third of rapists had been expelled from elementary school, and interpersonal conflicts at home spilled over into conflict with others outside the home. Rapists had particular problems with aggression, and developmental differences between rapists and child molesters were evident from early youth. The high percentage of broken homes for rapists suggested disruption of family life and ensuing instability and potential for friction. Conversely, although the claimed frequency of child molesters who felt close to their mothers was high, only about 24 percent found her to be a person to whom they could turn to discuss their problems. Lack of closeness to fathers was reported by both groups. Further study is recommended to examine childhood and adolescent experiences in sexuality, aggression, and maternal relationships. 26 footnotes and 9 tables