An Exploration of Childhood Victimization and Family-of-Origin Characteristics of Sexual Offenders Against Children

Abstract

A comparison of the childhood victimization experiences and family-of-origin characteristics of 33 sexual offenders against children, 66 violent offenders, and 25 nonviolent offenders participating in assessment or treatment at a forensic division of a Canadian psychiatric hospital was undertaken using a semistructured interview designed specifically for this study. Overall, 31.5% of the sample reported contact sexual abuse (i.e., oral, vaginal, or anal) by age 14. Sexual offenders against children reported significantly more sexual abuse than both violent and nonviolent offenders and were more likely to have been sexually propositioned and exposed to. Sexual offenders against children were also more likely to report physical discipline as the primary type of discipline in the home. Analyses of the variables concerning characteristics of parents, siblings, and significant others also indicated significant differences between groups. Implications of these findings on the intergenerational hypothesis are discussed as well as their relevance for treatment.

Recalled parental bonding and personality disorders in a sample of exhibitionists: A comparative study

“…Adequate parental sensitivity is an important condition for achieving and preserving secure attachment bonds to others (Bogaerts et al, 2004). The recollected experiences of uncaring parenting, which are obvious in the t tests, tally with previous research (e.g., Stirpe & Stermac, 2003). In differentiating the groups, the experience of the mother as uncaring is noteworthy.…”

Violent behaviour in early psychosis patients: Can we identify clinical risk profiles?

“…Exposure to trauma also seems to be a contributing factor in a certain number of patients. The impact of exposure to trauma during childhood on outcome has been clearly demonstrated in EPP, and research on offenders has shown that they are more likely to have experienced physical or psychological violence during childhood than the general population (Edwards, Holden, Felitti, & Anda, 2003;Jespersen, Lalumière, & Seto, 2009;McCormack, Hudson, & Ward, 2002;Stirpe & Stermac, 2003;Weeks & Widom, 1998;Whitaker et al, 2008). The high occurrence of trauma in this population should encourage clinicians to explore this domain with caution and to take it into account when treating such patients, not only because of its impact on outcome, but also considering its impact on risk to display VB (Alameda et al, 2015;Conus, Cotton, Schimmelmann, McGorry, & Lambert, 2010;Hoptman, 2015).…”

A Phenomenological Exploration of Reflections on Lived Space by Child Sexual Abusers

“…Although qualitative research about child sexual abusers' childhood reflections is limited, both qualitative and quantitative studies suggest children who experience violence and sexual abuse are at risk for both inappropriate functioning and repeating the violence and abuse as adults (Abel & Harlow, 2001;Briggs & Hawkins, 1994;Burn & Brown, 2006;Chen & Boucher, 2008;Coxe & Holmes, 2001;Craissati, McClurg, & Brown, 2002;Dong et al, 2004;Logsdon, 2010;Magalhães et al, 2009;Nalavany, Ryan, & Hinterlong, 2009;Renshaw, 1994;Stirpe & Stermac, 2003;Weeks & Widom, 1998;Widom & Ames, 1994). However, most researchers agree that child sexual abuse is one factor, in the presence or absence of a host of other factors, which may contribute to victims becoming abusers.…”