NCJ Number
151855
Date Published
1992
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article discusses working with children under the age of 12 who are sexually aggressive.
Abstract
These children display manipulative and selective behavior that is self-reinforcing through the arousal and discharge of the arousal; they use sexually based power games to victimize more vulnerable children. The Sexual Aggression Assessment is an intensive interview that is both educative and exploratory, involving a review of the child's record in terms of sexual behavior, firesetting, animal abuse and property damage; individual and familial histories of victimization; and information about the child's response to discovery. The counselor who conducts the assessment must provide a supportive environment which nevertheless stresses honesty. The purpose of the assessment is to discover motive and meaning behind the child's behaviors. The treatment of choice for prepubertal sexually aggressive children is group therapy, which gives the children a chance to deal with feelings of isolation and to confront interpersonal issues. This report also describes activities of the Lucas County (Ohio) Sexual Offender Treatment Program, the goals of which are to prevent victimization, educate network members and the community about sexual offending, and develop treatment resources for victims and offenders.