An unresolved but clinically important issue in the literature on juvenile delinquency is to what extent juvenile sex offenders resemble non-sex offenders with respect to individual, familial, and environmental characteristics. The current article reviewed published studies (1995-2005) comparing sex offenders with non-sex offenders. The 17 articles meeting the inclusion criteria suggest that differences exist between sex offenders and non-sex offenders on personality characteristics, behavioral problems, history of sexual abuse, nonsexual offending, and peer functioning. Inconsistent results were found for demographic factors, family functioning and background, antisocial attitudes, and intellectual and neurological functioning. Although it is likely that sex offenders can be differentiated from nonsex offenders on a number of characteristics, caution is warranted because of methodological differences between studies and small samples size. Also, studies show that sex offenders are a heterogeneous group. Further research should take into account this heterogeneity by including sex offenders from clearly circumscribed groups and investigating characteristics specifically related to sexual behavior.

Only a limited number of studies have compared the psychosocial characteristicsSince the recognition in the 1970's and 1980's that juveniles are capable of committing sex offenses, many studies have investigated this problem. However, many methodological shortcomings were inherent to these studies, including small sample size, biased sampling, nonstandardized instruments and a reliance on

There is some debate about whether sex offenders are similar to non-sex offenders. It is known that sex and non-sex offenders are heterogeneous groups. Comparative studies must take this heterogeneity into account. Based on an aggregated database, a study was conducted among adjudicated juvenile (sex) offenders. The sample consisted of juvenile male sex and non-sex offenders who had been subjected to a psychological assessment at the request of the judge or district attorney. The central question focused on the differences between juvenile sex offenders, in particular rapists and sexual assaulters (n = 57), child molesters (n = 55), and non-sex offenders: violent (n = 85) and nonviolent offenders (n = 80). The results demonstrated that sex offenders differ from non-sex offenders with regard to demographic characteristics, problem behavior, and personality traits. Some reference is made regarding future research.

Only a limited number of studies have compared the psychosocial characteristicsSince the recognition in the 1970's and 1980's that juveniles are capable of committing sex offenses, many studies have investigated this problem. However, many methodological shortcomings were inherent to these studies, including small sample size, biased sampling, nonstandardized instruments and a reliance on

Co-victims-surviving relatives of murder and homicide victims-experience practical, emotional, psychological and legal problems as a result of the murder of their loved ones. Available findings are often based on cross-sectional studies. Longitudinal research is necessary to gain an understanding of the problems co-victims face. A total of 28 co-victims have been monitored for more than five years (63 months on average). The outcome shows that problems generally decrease over the course of time. Emotional and psychological problems may grow worse, however, during criminal proceedings and at the time of sentencing. Long-term care and support for this group is desirable.