Risk factors for a New Zealand sample of sexually abusive children and adolescents
Lightfoot, Susan
Risk factors for a New Zealand sample of sexually abusive children and adolescents Lightfoot, Susan; Evans, Ian M. - New York Pergamon Press 2000
Child Abuse & Neglect 24(9) 2000 : 1185-1198
This article reports on risk factors identified in a study which aimed to understand variables that contribute to child and adolescent sexual offending. The comparative study involved a sample of two groups of young people referred to the Children, Young Persons and their Families Service (CYPFS): those who had engaged in coercive sexual behaviour with other children and adolescents, and clinic referred young people with conduct disorders. The article contains an outline of the measures developed for the research. The author's note that sexually abusive behaviour by children and adolescents is not an extension of child and adolescent sexual exploration, and point out the reported age disparities between victims and perpetrators. Results indicate that while the two sample groups were similar in terms of histories of family disruption, family violence and socioeconomic factors, for the group who had engaged in sexually abusive behaviour, the strongest indicators were poor or disrupted attachment, along with experiencing or witnessing inappropriate sexual expression. Although this group reported availability of support, they indicated less use of support during times of stress and a tendency to socially withdraw. The author's conclude the article by suggesting interaction between developmental pathways, coping skills, support and prevention.
0145-2134
ADOLESCENT SEX OFFENDERS
ADOLESCENTS
CHILD EXPOSURE TO VIOLENCE
CHILDREN
RISK FACTORS
YOUNG OFFENDERS
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
SEXUAL VIOLENCE
NEW ZEALAND
Risk factors for a New Zealand sample of sexually abusive children and adolescents Lightfoot, Susan; Evans, Ian M. - New York Pergamon Press 2000
Child Abuse & Neglect 24(9) 2000 : 1185-1198
This article reports on risk factors identified in a study which aimed to understand variables that contribute to child and adolescent sexual offending. The comparative study involved a sample of two groups of young people referred to the Children, Young Persons and their Families Service (CYPFS): those who had engaged in coercive sexual behaviour with other children and adolescents, and clinic referred young people with conduct disorders. The article contains an outline of the measures developed for the research. The author's note that sexually abusive behaviour by children and adolescents is not an extension of child and adolescent sexual exploration, and point out the reported age disparities between victims and perpetrators. Results indicate that while the two sample groups were similar in terms of histories of family disruption, family violence and socioeconomic factors, for the group who had engaged in sexually abusive behaviour, the strongest indicators were poor or disrupted attachment, along with experiencing or witnessing inappropriate sexual expression. Although this group reported availability of support, they indicated less use of support during times of stress and a tendency to socially withdraw. The author's conclude the article by suggesting interaction between developmental pathways, coping skills, support and prevention.
0145-2134
ADOLESCENT SEX OFFENDERS
ADOLESCENTS
CHILD EXPOSURE TO VIOLENCE
CHILDREN
RISK FACTORS
YOUNG OFFENDERS
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
SEXUAL VIOLENCE
NEW ZEALAND