NCJ Number
199952
Journal
Criminal Justice Review Volume: 27 Issue: 2 Dated: Autumn 2002 Pages: 284-300
Date Published
2002
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study reviewed and analyzed the cases of 40 registered female sex offenders in Arkansas in 1999, comparing them with the registered male sex offenders in that State.
Abstract
The study obtained information on the demographic characteristics of these women, the types of sex offenses committed, and victim characteristics. As of February 1, 1999, the typical female sex offender in Arkansas was likely to be Caucasian and to have been 31 years old at the time of her first sex offense. She had a history of only one sex offense, which was likely to have been her first offense. The offense was most likely either rape or first-degree sex abuse. The offense was committed within the State, and the victim was most likely a relative who was a minor. Compared to male sex offenders, the female offenders were slightly younger at the time of arrest for their first sex offense. Females were significantly more likely than males to be a first-time offender at the time of arrest for the sex offense. Males generally had more sex offenses in their criminal histories compared with females. Treatment programs and supervisory conditions should take into account the specific patterns of offending for female sex offenders. Suggestions are offered for future research in this area. 3 tables and 38 references