Although the label of sexually aggressive children is used throughout the book, it masks considerable diversity. Sexual aggression is viewed as a "new" behavior that has always existed and as a behavior that is affected by adult offending. Developmental psychopathology is used as the framework for understanding sexual aggression in children, with emphasis on the family and the influence of sexual abuse. Features of effective treatment aimed at countering the fragmented nature of maltreating families are described. The author suggests therapists of sexually aggressive children be well-versed in victim issues and in how violence and aggression emerge. She explains sexual aggression in children in terms of social demographics, psychological characteristics, family and extrafamilial environments, and situational risk factors. References, tables, and figures