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Female perpetrators of child sexual abuse: characteristics of the offender and victim

Bourke, Ashling, Doherty, Sally, McBride, Orla orcid logoORCID: 0000-0003-3399-9466, Morgan, Karen orcid logoORCID: 0000-0001-6193-1747 and McGee, Hannah orcid logoORCID: 0000-0003-1417-993X (2013) Female perpetrators of child sexual abuse: characteristics of the offender and victim. Psychology, Crime & Law, 20 (8). pp. 769-780. ISSN 1068-316X

Abstract
Purpose: This study investigates the prevalence rates of female perpetrated child sexual abuse in Ireland and explores the victim and perpetrator characteristics associated with the abuse. Methods: Data were from a nationally representative survey investigating sexual violence among adults living in Ireland (n = 3120). Descriptive statistics and regression analysis investigated the characteristics of female versus male perpetrated sexual abuse. Results: Approximately 6% of all the victims of child sexual abuse in the sample were abused by a lone female, which represents 1.5% of the overall adult population. Analyses indicated that male and female perpetrated abuse differ mainly in terms of the demographic characteristics of the perpetrators and victims: Female perpetrators are more likely to be younger, and are more likely to abuse male victims and older children and adolescents (9-17 years), compared with male perpetrators. Additionally, female perpetrators are less likely to be a stranger to the victim and in a position of authority, compared with male perpetrators. Conclusion: Treatment services should be particularly tailored for female perpetrated abuse, as the dynamics between the victim and perpetrator are likely to be different to male perpetrated abuse. The study adds to this relatively neglected area of research.
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:gender differences; females; prevalence; child sexual abuse; child abusers
Subjects:Medical Sciences > Psychology
Social Sciences > Law
Social Sciences > Gender
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Institute of Education > School of Human Development
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
Official URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1068316X.2013.860456
Copyright Information:© 2013 Taylor & Francis
Use License:This item is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License. View License
ID Code:24972
Deposited On:03 Sep 2020 16:07 by Thomas Murtagh . Last Modified 03 Sep 2020 16:07
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