The study involved both a cross-sectional and longitudinal exploration of the factors that lead to the onset of sexually abusive behavior in males who are sexually abused in childhood. In the cross-sectional study, a series of youth (n=78 boys) and their families were studied to identify the specific factors that increased the risk of a juvenile who had been abused in childhood sexually offending against other children. A total of 32 of the boys had abused other children and youth. There were similarities in the lives of boys who sexually offended but had no personal history of sexual abuse themselves. They grew up in a family with a climate of violence in the home, and their mothers had been subject to extensive sexual and physical abuse in their childhood and adulthood. In a prospective study, all males referred to a treatment center for sexual abuse from 1980 to 1992 (n=224 males) were studied. The findings confirmed the findings of the cross-sectional study, i.e., the presence of a pervasive climate of violence in the home, particularly involving the victimization of the mother, was a significant factor in sexual offending, in addition to and perhaps even without the sexual abuse of the child. These findings suggest that therapy for juvenile sex offenders must be comprehensive, nurturing, focus on the family environment, and be conducted in the context of a safe environment for the youth; family therapy should be pursued. 39 references