Offense Trajectories, the Unfolding of Sexual and Non-Sexual Criminal Activity, and Sex Offense Characteristics of Adolescent Sex Offenders

Abstract

The current study examines offending trajectories of adolescent sexual offenders (ASOs). Until recently, classification frameworks have not been designed to account for the heterogeneity of offending patterns in adolescence, how these are associated with the unfolding of sexual and non-sexual criminal activity, and whether and to what extent they are related to the characteristics of sex offenses in adolescence. The current study takes a longitudinal view of offending in adolescence by examining retrospective longitudinal data of 217 ASOs referred for treatment to a clinical service between 2001 and 2009 in Australia. General offending trajectories in adolescence were examined using semi-parametric group-based modeling, and compared according to non-violent non-sexual, violent-non-sexual, and sex offending criminal activity parameters (e.g., participation, onset, frequency, specialization/versatility) and the characteristics of the referral sexual offense. The results show distinct differences in the unfolding of sexual and non-sexual criminal activity along different offending trajectories of ASOs, and further, that these trajectories were differentially associated with the characteristics of the sexual offenses they committed.

Psychological treatment and therapeutic change in incarcerated rapists

“…However, juveniles who have suffered serious traumatic experiences in childhood (psychological or sexual abuse, inconsistent rearing in the family, and so on) may have special difficulty in developing these indispensable sexual controls and inhibitions, and as a result show more risk of sexual offending (Becker & Johnson, 2001;Hamby, Finkelhor, & Turner, 2012;Marshall, Laws, & Barbaree, 2013;Marshall, Marshall, Serran, & Fernandez, 2006;Redondo & Martinez, 2012;Zurbriggen, Gobin, & Freyd, 2010). In this respect, a significant proportion of sex offenders have more varied and atypical sexual experiences at an early age than is the norm, including the use of violent pornography (Barbaree & Langton, 2006;Becker & Hunter, 1997;Cale, Smallbone, Rayment-McHugh, & Dowling, 2016;Seto & Eke, 2015) or actual childhood experiences of physical or sexual abuse (Fergusson et al, 2013;Gunby & Woodhams, 2010;Mancini, Reckdenwald, & Beauregard, 2012;Seto, 2008). These experiences of victimisation may stimulate a deviant sexual arousal and a preference for violent sex.…”

Understanding the origins and the development of rape and sexual aggression against women: Four generations of research and theorizing

“…For example, it is unlikely that the factors responsible for the onset of sexual aggression are the same as those responsible for the termination of sexually aggressive behaviors. In addition, descriptive studies have clearly demonstrated some heterogeneity of sexual aggression among offenders, particularly in terms of the age of onset of the behavior, the number of times the behavior was manifested, the degree of crime specialization in sexual aggression, and the persistence of the behavior over time, (Cale & Lussier, 2012;Cale & Lussier, 2014;Cale, et al, 2009;Cale, Smallbone, Rayment-McHugh & Dowling, 2015;Lussier, Tzoumakis, Cale, & Amirault, 2010;Lussier, van den Berg, Bijleveld, & Hendricks, 2012). Nonetheless, contemporary theories of sexual aggression remain relatively silent regarding the diversity of these patterns.…”

When Juveniles Commit Sexual Offenses: Considerations and Recommendations for Judges

“…Perhaps unsurprisingly, immaturity and developmental factors have the potential to predict certain forms of sexual offenses in juveniles. Specifically, researchers found that certain types of offenders may have more early psychosocial deficits and negative impacts in their sexual development (Cale, Smallbone, Rayment‐McHugh, & Dowling, ). Scholars also suggest that some offenders, due to various biopsychosocial developmental delays or impairments, may have difficulties in finding a consensual partner which may lead to forms of coercion.…”

“…Scholars also suggest that some offenders, due to various biopsychosocial developmental delays or impairments, may have difficulties in finding a consensual partner which may lead to forms of coercion. Lastly, it seems that in some cases juvenile curiosity may lead to inappropriate sexual contact (Cale et al., ). It is important that those assessing risk can distinguish between intentional sexual violence and maturity or development‐related sexual curiosity that may lead to inappropriate sexual contact.…”