NCJ Number
199642
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: 2002 Pages: 1-23
Date Published
2002
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the literature on juvenile female sex offenders, presents research findings derived from surveys and interviews with a sample of mental health service providers who treat this population, and highlights the need for further research that can contribute to improved treatment options for clinicians and programs that serve young female sex offenders (YFSOs).
Abstract
The literature review addresses factors associated with female sex offenders, victims, the use of coercion, motivation for the abuse, typologies, and interventions. The literature suggests that YFSOs have had a history of physical and/or sexual abuse, a variety of psychopathologies, and were raised in chaotic or dysfunctional families. There have been varied findings on the characteristics of their victims, the nature of the abuse that they commit, and the motivation for their behavior. YFSOs apparently exhibit differences from their male counterparts, including a greater rate of sexual victimization and different rates and types of comorbid psychopathology. The relative rarity of this population and the social stigma related to the behavior constitute obstacles to further study of YFSOs and the development of best practices in work with these young female offenders. The current mail survey of 250 mental health providers in private settings and residential treatment centers focused on approaches to diagnosing prior sexual abuse history and/or perpetration among juvenile females. Nineteen of the most experienced practitioners were also interviewed by telephone to provide additional insight on the issues highlighted in the survey. Key survey findings were the inadequacy of research, tools, and literature on young female sex offenders and perceived differences between male and female sex offenders, including history, treatment, and characteristics. Overall, this study highlights the lack of attention, consistency in clinical practices, and empirical research dedicated to the treatment of YFSOs. 4 tables and 32 references