Sexual violence is defined to include behaviors that involve explicit sexual elements and either an unwilling partner or one who is incapable of giving consent. Various theories devised to explain the causes of sexual violence focus on situational, feminist, psychoanalytic, and behavioral perspectives. The authors evaluate two aspects of sexual behavior in sex offenders: deviant sexual preferences, and broader features of their general sexual functioning. They conclude that most sex offenders appear to be inept in one or more areas of social functioning. They also indicate that negative attitudes toward women characterize the belief systems of rapists and that child molesters hold various attitudes and beliefs about sex with children that serve to perpetuate their offending behavior. A behavioral treatment program is described that involves modifying sexual preferences, enhancing social competence, and modifying attitudinal and cognitive factors. The authors point out that rapists, exhibitionists, and the most sexually intrusive child molesters appear to be the least responsive to the behavioral assessment and treatment program. 169 references, 2 tables.