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Juvenile Sex Offenders: Development and Correction

NCJ Number
107897
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 11 Issue: 3 Dated: (1987) Pages: 385-395
Author(s)
G Ryan; S Lane; J Davis; C Issac
Date Published
1987
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the developmental nature of juvenile sexually abusive behaviors and some of the significant issues in the treatment of juvenile sex offenders, with case histories to support the discussion.
Abstract
Developmental factors in the evolution of deviant sexual behaviors are identified, followed by three case histories that show how child victims of sexual abuse develop sexually abusive behaviors themselves. Significant treatment issues regarding juvenile sexual offenders focus on the sexual assault cycle, which provides the framework for sexual offenders to understand the cognitive, behavioral, psychological, and situational factors underlying their offenses. Although each sexual offender and sexual offense is distinctive, the sexual assault cycle addresses commonalities in the treatment of juvenile sexual offenders. Understanding and controlling the sexual assault cycle may take months or years, and many tools can be used in the process, including journal keeping on situations that trigger the cycle, the recognition and resolution of childhood victimization, sex education, and positive sexuality training. Because experience to date indicates that sexually abusive behaviors develop steadily over time, early intervention is clearly indicated. 2 figures and 17 references. (Author abstract modified)