NCJ Number
178108
Journal
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment Volume: 11 Issue: 3 Dated: July 1999 Pages: 243-247
Date Published
July 1999
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A clinical survey was used to assess the prevalence of child molestation perpetrated in the presence of noncollaborating persons.
Abstract
Data were obtained on 131 postincarcerated adult sex offenders in two community treatment programs. Subjects were divided into two groups, child molesters and non-molesters. Results indicated 54.9 percent of child molesters had molested when another child was present, 23.9 percent had molested when another adult was present, and 14.2 percent had molested when both a child and an adult were present. Both groups implicated increased excitement, a sense of mastery, and compulsive sexual behavior as reasons for their offense. Moreover, data indicated approximately 63 percent of adult sex offenders who had not molested in the presence of other persons felt they may have progressed to that point had they not been arrested and placed in treatment. Limitations of the study findings and issues for further research are noted. 2 tables