The research literature indicated that the prevalence of sex offenses committed by females is relatively low, partly because of underreporting. Compared to their male counterparts, female sex offenders are more likely to be younger, have lower socioeconomic status, and offend against children. Female sex offenders are also less likely than males to use physical force in committing their offenses. In addition, many female sex offenders committed sex offenses while accompanied or coerced by a male partner. Moreover, many of these characteristics of female sex offenders occur among female sex offenders in Washington. Female perpetrators accounted for less than 2 percent of all sex offenders from January 1985 to June 1992 in the State. Most convicted sex offenders, male and female, were white. Tables, appended definitions, and 20 references (Author summary modified)