Female sexual offending: An impermissible crime

Brayford, Jo

doi:10.1057/cpcs.2012.5

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…These include differing results about the presence of psychiatric impairment and substance abuse problems; rates of lone offending and co-offending; the severity of the abuse and use of violence and victim gender selection (Hunt, 2006). Nonetheless, the findings in the existing research literature do tend to agree on a number of common characteristics of FSOs: that most are aged between 16 and 36 years old; most fall into low and middle range in terms of socio-economic status; many lack social skills, have low self-esteem and experience difficulty in relationships (Brayford, 2012). On initial consideration such characteristics are not those which might normally associated with professional perpetrators, such as those considered in this study, a number of whom were well qualified, successful teachers with positive social reputations and seemingly appropriate adult relationships.…”

Section: Etiological Factorsmentioning

confidence: 89%

“…There is little specific research into females who sexually abuse children or young people in the course of their profession (Sullivan et al, 2002). Yet, according to Faller, child care provision is the second most common context for FCSO (Faller cited in Brayford, 2012). Sullivan et al (2002) conducted research into 'Professional perpetrators'; those who use either their institutions or organisations within which they work to target and abuse children.…”

Section: 'Professional Perpetrators'mentioning

confidence: 99%

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‘Notes on a Scandal’: Why do Females Engage in Abuse of Trust Behaviours?

Darling¹

2013

Int. J. Criminol. Sociol.

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Although an evident reality in organisations where females work with young people, there has been no specific research to date exploring why females in positions of trust engage in sexually abusive relationships with adolescents. This study investigated the subject through a qualitative analysis of ten case studies from England drawn from the employment and safeguarding environment, comparing findings with existing studies into female sexual offenders in general, research into male 'professional perpetrators ' and Gannon et al.'s (2008) Descriptive Model of Female Sexual Offending. The research highlighted a number of key similarities and differences between those who abuse in positions of trust and those female sexual offenders who abuse children in wider contexts. With respect to etiological factors the similarities included unstable lifestyle, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, cognitive distortions and emotional self-management problems. Motivations for this sample appeared to be primarily driven by intimacy needs. Differences were identified relating to lower levels of substance abuse, a higher age range and socio-economic status, less prevalence of severe social skills deficits and chaotic and abusive backgrounds in this subject group. All of the women in the study followed an Implicit Disorganised pathway of abuse and maternal approach to the abusive behaviour.

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Section: Etiological Factorsmentioning

confidence: 89%

Section: 'Professional Perpetrators'mentioning

confidence: 99%

‘Notes on a Scandal’: Why do Females Engage in Abuse of Trust Behaviours?

Darling¹

2013

Int. J. Criminol. Sociol.

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“…There is, therefore, a need to recognise at the societal level that females sexually offend and that they need specific gender-responsive sexual offender treatment, so that the relevant assessment and treatment services for FSOs can be developed and empirically tested in future research. Currently, FSOs often do not receive specific standardised treatments (Brayford, 2012; Gannon & Rose, 2008).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…assessment and treatment services for FSOs can be developed and empirically tested in future research. Currently, FSOs often do not receive specific standardised treatments (Brayford, 2012;Gannon & Rose, 2008).…”

Section: Np484mentioning

confidence: 99%

Does Gender Affect Judges’ Perceptions of Sexual Assault Cases?

Burgstedt

Beeby

Hayne

et al. 2022

J Interpers Violence

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There is growing recognition that females engage in harmful sexual behaviour that is similar in severity and type to males. Existing research, however, suggests that there is a bias towards leniency in judicial systems for female sexual offenders (FSOs) in comparison to male sexual offenders (MSOs). Specifically, FSOs receive shorter sentences than do MSOs and are less likely to be sentenced to prison. The majority of research examining disparity in sentence outcomes for FSOs have been analysed through a quantitative lens. Qualitative methodology is also needed to understand any subjective differences in the way that judges perceive case-relevant factors and whether these perceptions differ as a function of the offender’s gender. The present study is a qualitative study that examined judges’ perceptions and descriptions of FSO compared to MSO in 10 matched cases of sexual offending. The study found that although there were many similarities in how judges perceived FSO compared to MSO, there were also unique differences that could explain more lenient sentences for FSOs (i.e. the vulnerability, poor mental health and adverse backgrounds of FSOs). Other unique differences found were that judges’ perception of FSOs behaviour was described as depraved and cruel, whereas MSOs similar behaviour was not described in such an emotive way. The present study provides additional insight into the reasons for a bias towards leniency for FSOs. In particular, it points towards judicial focus on particular personal circumstances that are seen as relevant in sentencing FSOs but not for MSOs.

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“…Although being male, for example, is a strong and persistent risk factor for child sex offending, child sex offending is not a male only crime. Some experts estimate that approximately 4 to 5 per cent of all child sex offenders are female (Saradjian ; Brayford ; Colson et al. ).…”

Section: Underreporting Of Child Sexual Abusementioning

confidence: 99%

What can surveillance data and risk factor research contribute to a public health approach to preventing child sexual abuse?

Broadley

2018

Aust J Social Issues

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The aim of this article was to consider how populationlevel surveillance data and risk factor research might be applied to a public health approach to preventing child sexual abuse. The focus is on the collection of data in relation to ethnicity. By drawing from the four principles approach to ethical decision making developed by Beauchamp and Childress, the expected benefits of data collection are weighed against possible harms to individuals and communities. It concludes that the identification of high-risk groups can inform prioritisation of resources, and the development of context-specific and culturally sensitive child sexual abuse prevention and intervention programmes. However, it is crucial to explain why child sexual abuse is more prevalent in some ethnic communities than others. Explanations about causes can reduce the potential for stigmatisation and marginalisation of individuals and communities, as well as challenge widely held myths about biological determinism and inability to change.

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Female sexual offending: An impermissible crime

Cited by 6 publications

References 36 publications

‘Notes on a Scandal’: Why do Females Engage in Abuse of Trust Behaviours?

‘Notes on a Scandal’: Why do Females Engage in Abuse of Trust Behaviours?

Does Gender Affect Judges’ Perceptions of Sexual Assault Cases?

What can surveillance data and risk factor research contribute to a public health approach to preventing child sexual abuse?

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