Differentiating Adults With Mixed Age Victims From Those Who Exclusively Sexually Assault Children or Adults

Abstract

Although adults who have sexually offended against both child and adult victims (i.e., adults with mixed aged sexual offense victims [MASOVs]) have been found at increased risk to reoffend, they have been a neglected and rarely studied group of individuals who have sexually offended. The present study explored their differentiating characteristics by comparing them with adults who had sexually offended exclusively against children (child sex offense victims [CSOVs]) or adults (adult sex offense victims [ASOVs]). Using an extensive database gathered on offenders examined for civil commitment, we found that although MASOVs were not distinguished from the other types of offenders by any specific developmental trauma, they cumulatively tended to be higher across traumas. They evidenced lower self-esteem relative to both other offender types. In addition, MASOVs, like ASOVs, exhibited higher levels of psychopathy relative to CSOVs. The implications of these findings for etiology and treatment are discussed.

“Mixed” Sexual Offending Against Both Children and Adults: An Empirical Comparison With Individuals Who Exclusively Offended Against Child or Adult Victims

“…As we presumed, we found ISOMAVs to start offending at a younger age than ISOCs and to have a more extensive history of sexual offending than both comparison groups. Regarding the age of onset, our results were in line with Rice and knight (2019), who found ISOCs to be significantly older than ISOAs and ISOMAVs when they commit their first sex offense. It stands out that the mean ages of onset in our study were overall higher (e.g., ISOCs in our study were on average around 10 years older) compared to Rice and knight (2019), which might be explained by differing sources of information.…”

“…Regarding the age of onset, our results were in line with Rice and knight (2019), who found ISOCs to be significantly older than ISOAs and ISOMAVs when they commit their first sex offense. It stands out that the mean ages of onset in our study were overall higher (e.g., ISOCs in our study were on average around 10 years older) compared to Rice and knight (2019), which might be explained by differing sources of information. Whereas, our data were based on officially registered convictions, Rice and knight (2019) had additional information from police reports and clinical files, which might include information on sexual offending prior to the first convicted offense.…”

“…Accordingly, in an interview-based study on the modus operandi of sexual offending, Beauregard et al (2012) found ISOMAVs to be the most rational subgroup, allowing them to adapt their offense strategy to the type of victim and to be more "successful" in the completion of an offense. Regarding the age of onset of sexual offending, ISOMAVs seem to resemble ISOAs but to be younger than ISOCs (Rice & knight, 2019). A recent study on adults convicted of offenses against mixed-aged victims by Rice and knight (2019) investigated traumatic experiences and found the highest rates of child neglect and physical abuse in ISOMAVs compared to ISOAs or ISOCs, whereas the rate of sexual abuse victimization was in between the two comparison groups.…”

“…A recent study on adults convicted of offenses against mixed-aged victims by Rice and knight (2019) investigated traumatic experiences and found the highest rates of child neglect and physical abuse in ISOMAVs compared to ISOAs or ISOCs, whereas the rate of sexual abuse victimization was in between the two comparison groups. Although group differences did not reach significance, the authors conclude that the overall level of traumatic experiences might be especially high in ISOMAVs (Rice & knight, 2019).…”

Do psychological features distinguish those who sexually offend against different age groups from those who are stable in victim age?

“…Victim age polymorphism refers to inconsistency in victim-age across a series of sexual offences (e.g., having a child and adult victim). There has been increased attention to victim age polymorphism, herein referred to as age polymorphism, and its correlates due to its high prevalence and a limited understanding of this offending pattern (e.g., Guay et al, 2001;Rice & Knight, 2019;Saramago et al, 2020;Stephens et al, 2017;Stephens et al, 2018b).…”