Sexual Victimization in Childhood and the Propensity for Juvenile Delinquency and Adult Criminal Behavior: A Systematic Review

• NCJ Number: 236938
• Journal: Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 16 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2011 Pages: 485-492
• Author(s): Shelly A. McGrath; Ashlyn Abbott Nilsen; Kent R. Kerley
• Date Published: December 2011
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

This study will examine and consolidate findings from the empirical research concerning childhood sexual abuse and the propensity of victims to become juvenile and adult offenders.

Abstract

Child sexual abuse has been suggested as a contributing factor in criminal and deviant behaviors in adolescence and adulthood. This review will examine and consolidate findings from the empirical research concerning childhood sexual abuse and the propensity of victims to become juvenile and adult offenders. First, the authors develop a demographic profile of sexual abuse victims most likely to commit juvenile and adult offenses. Second, they explore the literature to determine whether, in general, sexually abused children have an increased likelihood of criminality as juveniles and as adults. Third, the reviews explores whether the types of crimes and delinquent acts committed by sexual abuse victims are unique or consistent with traditional crime trajectories. Fourth, the methodological and statistical limitations of this literature will be discussed, and suggestions for future research will be presented. (Published Abstract)