Juvenile sex offenders: a group on its own?
There is some debate about whether sex offenders are similar to non-sex offenders. It is known that sex and non-sex offenders are heterogeneous groups. Comparative studies must take this heterogeneity into account. Based on an aggregated database, a study was conducted among adjudicated juvenile (sex) offenders. The sample consisted of juvenile male sex and non-sex offenders who had been subjected to a psychological assessment at the request of the judge or district attorney. The central question focused on the differences between juvenile sex offenders, in particular rapists and sexual assaulters (n = 57), child molesters (n = 55), and non-sex offenders: violent (n = 85) and nonviolent offenders (n = 80). The results demonstrated that sex offenders differ from non-sex offenders with regard to demographic characteristics, problem behavior, and personality traits. Some reference is made regarding future research.
van Wijk
Anton
A
Dutch Police Academy, De Kleiberg 15, 7312 SN Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. Dutch Police Academy, Apeldoorn, Netherlands.
van Horn
Joan
J
Bullens
Ruud
R
Bijleveld
Catrien
C
Doreleijers
Theo
T
D000293:Adolescent; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D010378:Pedophilia / Q000523:psychology*; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011902:Rape / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D012016:Reference Values; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D014754:Violence / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*