2 Perversions in Men and Women

Females who sexually abuse children: Assessment and treatment issues

“…Researchers tend to agree that female sex offenders exhibit both similarities and differences compared to their male counterparts (Elliott, 1993, Saradjian & Hanks, 1996, Welldon, 1996, Mathews, Matthews, & Speltz, 1989. In summary, with regard to similarities, a proportion of both male and female sex offenders appear to have experienced maltreatment and abuse during childhood (Mayer, 1983).…”

“…Interestingly, Stoller (1975) asserts that females have a greater need for nurturance and intimacy, relationship constancy and control that is reflected in the nature of their offending (Welldon, 1996). Therefore, unlike men, women may be more attached to the victims of their abuse.…”

“…The abuse is usually directed against themselves or against victims whom they see as their own creation such as babies or children (Welldon, 1996). Women do not usually offend against strangers or non-familiar/familial victims, whereas men frequently target strangers (Welldon, 1996). Despite the greater apparent attachment to their victims, such women may view the mother child relationship as unsatisfactory, negative and parasitic whereas male offenders may view the relationship with their victims as positive and mutually beneficial (Kramer, 1980).…”

“…Therefore, unlike men, women may be more attached to the victims of their abuse. The abuse is usually directed against themselves or against victims whom they see as their own creation such as babies or children (Welldon, 1996). Women do not usually offend against strangers or non-familiar/familial victims, whereas men frequently target strangers (Welldon, 1996).…”

“…Despite the greater apparent attachment to their victims, such women may view the mother child relationship as unsatisfactory, negative and parasitic whereas male offenders may view the relationship with their victims as positive and mutually beneficial (Kramer, 1980). The abuse of children may provide the available targets for unexpressed rage and frustration in females more frequently than males because women traditionally experience difficulty expressing anger and tend to internalise angry impulses (Welldon, 1996).…”