NCJ Number
99839
Journal
International Journal of Law and Psychiatry Volume: 7 Dated: (1984) Pages: 89-103
Date Published
1984
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This paper identifies factors which affect the extent of negative effects on child sexual abuse victims, discusses criteria that determine whether the child consented to the sexual contact, and examines offender rationalizations for the abuse.
Abstract
Factors influencing the degree of negative effects on child sexual abuse victims are categorized according to (1) type of sexual activity, (2) child's developmental maturity, (3) relationship between the child and the adult, and (4) characteristics of others involved. Determination of criteria to ascertain a child's consent to sexual contact is based on four issues: (1) whether the child understands that to which he is consenting, (2) whether the child is aware of community sexual standards, (3) whether the child appreciates the possible consequences of the decision, and (4) whether coercion influences the child's decision. The application of these criteria to a child-adult sexual relationship makes the child's informed consent unlikely. Seven offender cognitive rationalizations for initiating sexual contact with children are classified as distortions of the dynamics of the relationship and its effects. The paper concludes with a look at options for offenders in dealing with their deviant behavior. 31 references.