NCJ Number
206143
Date Published
November 2003
Length
40 pages
Annotation
This study analyzed the attitudes, thinking processes, feelings, and behaviors of 48 incarcerated male pedophiles who had targeted boy victims.
Abstract
All of the men studied were imprisoned in Missouri and had been convicted of child sexual molestation crimes that involved male child victims. The men interviewed had molested children in locations throughout the United States, some having already served prison sentences for such crimes in other States. The men included in the study consisted of 23 offenders who were interviewed specifically for the study and 25 offenders whose prison files were analyzed. The 48 men were found to differ significantly in age, education, occupation, appearance, and life experiences. No one single profile fit all of the men. Of the 23 men interviewed, 78 percent reported that they had been sexually molested as children. Three other inmates reported that although they had not been sexually molested, they had been involved in sex play with male peers prior to puberty. Only two of the men reported that there was no sexual abuse or sex play with peers in their childhood. The percentages were similar of the "archival" group regarding childhood sexual abuse. All of the Caucasian men in the interview sample stated that they had a preference for Caucasian boys. Also, all three African-Americans in the interview group had Caucasian victims in their offending history. All of the men in the interview group had molested boys known to them and with whom they had some type of relationship. Only two of the men interviewed reported that they had also had sexual encounters with boys who were complete strangers. Only two of the men in the interview group reported ever having used force to molest a child, and only two men in the archival group were ever known to have used force. Grooming and seduction is clearly the preferred method. The grooming described by the men ranged anywhere from a few minutes to a few years; most reported grooming children for weeks or months before molesting them. Some 35 percent of the men in the interview group reported an escalation of physical advances toward their victims, beginning with hugs, back rubs, or tickling. If at any stage of the interaction the potential victim resisted, then most of the men did not further pursue sexual contact with the child. This report provides other information on offenders' personal habits and experiences with the police and the criminal justice system in general. The information presented in this report can be useful in informing parents, teachers, and others who work with youth about the tactics used by pedophiles to select and cultivate their victims. This can be useful in educational material on the prevention of child sexual abuse. Seven case studies are provided. 11 references and appended interview questions