An overview of sex offenses considers definitions of sexual misconduct, the nature of sex-offense law, and the prevalence of sex offenses in aggregate. Chapters on various types of sexual offenses cover exhibitionism, pedophilia, homosexuality, heterosexual aggression, and sexual homicide. For each type of sexual offense, the discussion addresses the type of deviation manifested, offender characteristics, the prevalence of each offense type, and possible causes. A chapter on the victims' perspective focuses on the criminal justice system's response to female victims of sex offenders, the effects of sexual abuse on child victims, children's sexual rights, and investigations involving children. A discussion of the treatment of sex offenders covers treatment methods, assessment, and training and practice. The concluding chapter on 'solutions' focuses on the effectiveness of criminal law, victim protection under the law, and the molding of social attitudes through education. 500 references, subject index.