NCJ Number
91217
Date Published
1983
Length
78 pages
Annotation
This report uses statistics from police department records in South Australia to examine the backgrounds and characteristics of 450 alleged sexual offenders apprehended during 1980 and 1981 and to measure success rates in prosecutions.
Abstract
Trial outcomes and procedures are discussed, and amounts awarded to victims under criminal injuries compensation schemes are reviewed. The overwhelming majority of alleged offenders were male with ages ranging from 9 to 77. Almost half faced charges of indecent assault, 40 percent faced charges of rape, and the remainder were accused of offenses ranging from attempted murder to acts of indecency. Almost half the victims were under 15 years old, and 1 in 7 was a male. Group offenders -- persons accused of taking part in serious pair or group attacks on adult victims -- were involved in the most violent and brutal incidents. Lone offenders -- persons accused of unaccompanied assaults on adults -- were less often found guilty. The largest category comprised those accused of sexual assaults on children. A total of 204 persons were arrested in relation to incidents involving 220 children. Sexual harassers made up the last group. Recommendations for legislative changes, offender treatment, and other reforms are offered. Study data, sample forms, and 13 references are included. (Author summary modified)