SAGE Journal Articles
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Freeman, N. J. (2007). Predictors of rearrest for rapists and child molesters on probation. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 34, 752-768.
Well-designed study that compared sex offender probationers primarily to discover whether predictors for rearrest differ for rapists and child molesters.
Abstract
As a result of sex crimes committed against vulnerable populations such as women and youth, American policy makers have increasingly focused on the risk that released sex offenders pose to the public. This study compared sex offender probationers to understand whether predictors of rearrest differ for rapists and child molesters. After a 3-year follow-up, rapists were significantly more likely than child molesters to be rearrested for a nonsexual offense, whereas a trend in the data indicated that child molesters were more likely than rapists to be rearrested for a sexual offense. Results of the study indicated that criminal histories and offender age were robust predictors for both rapists and child molesters.
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Strickland, S. M. (2008). Female sex offenders: Exploring issues of personality, trauma, and cognitive distortions. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 23, 474-489.
Carefully done study that compares female sexual offenders with female non-sexual offenders in the areas of personality disorders, chemical dependency, childhood trauma, emotional neediness, cognitive distortions, and social competence.
Abstract
Few studies have investigated the characteristics of female sex offenders and factors and/or causes of female deviance. Research to date has been descriptive in nature, with few comparison studies. Using a correlational design and three valid instruments, female sexual offenders and a matched group of female nonsexual offenders are compared in the areas of personality disorders, chemical dependency, childhood trauma, sexual trauma, emotional neediness, cognitive distortions, and social competence. A sample of 130 incarcerated females, 60 sex offenders, and 70 nonsexual offenders is used. Significant results are found in the areas of total childhood trauma and severity of sexual abuse suffered and social and sexual adequacy. No differences are found in abuse of substances, personality disorders, emotional neediness, or cognitive distortions.
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Terry, K. J. (2008). Stained glass: The nature and scope of child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 35, 549-569.
A solid summary of the nature and extent of child sexual abuse by a Catholic priest during the years 1950-2002.
Abstract
This article presents the results of the Nature and Scope of Child Sexual Abuse by Catholic Priests from 1950 to 2002. Ninety seven percent of dioceses (representing 99% of diocesan priests) and 64% of religious communities (representing 83% of religious priests) responded to the request for data. Findings showed that 4,392 priests (4%) had allegations of abuse, 10,667 victims made allegations, and the Church paid (at the time surveys were completed) $572.5 million for legal and treatment fees and as compensation to the victims (more than $1.3 billion to date). The study also provided information on the circumstances of the abuse (e.g., types of sexual acts, location, duration), the offenders (e.g., year of ordination, age, ministry duties, other behavioral problems), the victims (e.g., age and gender, family situation), and the dioceses (e.g., differences in abuse rates by region and population size). Importance of these results for policy and practice is discussed.