NCJ Number
163221
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 20 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1996) Pages: 477-485
Date Published
1996
Length
9 pages
Annotation
An epidemiological survey that used a postal questionnaire revealed a 1-year period prevalence rate of 1.5 official juvenile sex offenders per 1,000 males aged 12-17 within Oxfordshire, England, for 1992-93.
Abstract
A postal questionnaire was sent to all general practitioners, pediatricians, and child psychiatrists within Oxfordshire. Direct telephone contact was made with social work team leaders, the head of the probation service, and the police responsible for the Family Protection Units. Subsequently, questionnaires were sent to all residential and field social workers, probation officers, and Family Protection Units. The questionnaire addressed demographic details and personal histories of the abusers, including behavioral problems, history of victimization, and mental health, as well as offending behaviors and resulting outcome. Thirty-four sexually abusive youths (31 males and 3 females) were identified in the period of 1992-1993, giving a 1-year period prevalence rate of 1.5 per 1,000 males aged 12-17. Most of the abusers were males who lived in a slightly larger than average sized family with two parents. Schooling was apparently problematic, with full attendance at secondary school in 41.9 percent of cases. The typical sexually abusive youth was of below average ability (58.1 percent). Health concerns were either absent (67.7 percent) or minor (29 percent). In a substantial proportion of cases there was a history of behavioral problems. This high rate accords with the findings of Kavoussi, Kaplan, and Becker (1988) that 48 percent of juvenile sexual offenders have a diagnosis of conduct disorder. Many of the abusers have had previous contact with the police (56 percent). One-fifth were reported as having no psychological problems; however, anxiety and depression symptoms were noted in one-third of the cases. This study confirms the previously held view that a history of physical and sexual abuse correlates with juvenile sexual offending in males. A large proportion of abusers were identified as coming from dysfunctional families with various histories of neglect as well as physical and sexual abuse. 6 tables and 37 references