NCJ Number
93390
Date Published
1981
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews existing knowledge about adult exhibitionists, rapists, and molesters who commit sexual offenses against children, with attention to psychological profiles, age and sex, and potential dangerousness.
Abstract
Offenders who commit indecent exposure almost invariably are males and usually under the age of 30 at time of first arrest. The majority have no intention of any further sexual contact with the viewer of the exposure. Most cases of indecent exposure occur in a public place, outdoors, and in daylight. Studies have suggested that exhibitionists are not sociopathic personalities, but often pride themselves on self-control and high moral standards in other spheres, tending to use obsessive compulsive defenses as major coping techniques. Rape is largely a product of youth and masculinity. Researchers have explained rape as an expression of hostility against women, as a result of judgment impaired by drugs or alcohol, as one of many crimes committed by sociopathic offenders, and as a defense aqainst a man's homosexual wishes or feeling of sexual inadequacy. Child molesters are almost always men and usually select victims they know. Pedophilia occurs mainly in three age groups: adolescence, middle age, and the late 50's and early 60's. Pedophiliacs usually manifest a passive aggressive personality and have been unable to establish a relationship with an adult female. Courts are concerned with an offender's dangerousness and prospects for treatment. Promises to obtain treatment often lead to withdrawal of all criminal charges, but offenders then may lose interest in obtaining help. If the defendant is willing to plead guilty, treatment can be made a condition of probation. The likelihood of recidivism is greater when the behavior has been occurring since adolescence or the early 20's. A history of sadistic fantasies or behavior or other antisocial activities suggests the need for care in evaluating dangerousness, as does a diagnosis of organic brain disease or functional psychosis. Moreover, dangerousness fluctuates and should be re-evaluated after treatment. The paper includes l4 references.