Sexually Abusive Behaviour by Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Recently professionals have recognised that children as well as adults may act in sexually aggressive ways towards others. This is complemented by an expanding empirical evidence base. A comprehensive appraisal of the literature is beyond the scope of this review. However, the estimated size of the problem, it's aetiology (Lee et al., 2002), outcomes and successful intervention programmes (Borduin & Schaeffer, 2002) will be discussed. The evidence base and clinical experience with this group strongly supports the need for coherent government policies in relation to sexually abusive behaviour by children and adolescents.

Comportements sexuels problématiques chez les enfants : une recension systématique des facteurs associés

“…Alors que le lien entre l'agression sexuelle et les CSP a été davantage documenté, peu d'études ont cherché à approfondir spécifiquement le lien entre les CSP et les comportements extériorisés. Certains auteurs argumentent en faveur de l'inclusion des CSP dans un construit plus large de comportements extériorisés (Silovsky, Niec, Bard et Hecht, 2007), tandis que d'autres suggèrent que les CSP diffèrent des comportements extériorisés, en regard des facteurs associés et des conséquences (Lévesque, Bigras et Pauzé, 2010;Vizard, 2006). Les mécanismes communs et spécifiques impliqués dans le développement des CSP et des comportements extériorisés mériteraient d'être mis en lumière dans les études futures.…”

Delivering an intervention to a young person minimising his harmful sexual behaviour – a practice case study

“…Harmful sexual behaviour Society predominantly considers adults as the perpetrators of sexual abuse against children (Hackett, Phillips, Masson, & Balfe, 2013). However, it is estimated that 25% of convicted harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) cases are perpetrated by young people aged 10-17 years (Hackett, 2014;Lovell, 2002;Vizard, 2006). HSB, along with a plethora of other phrases, refers to contact and non-contact harmful sexual activity, the distinguishing feature of which being the involvement or absence of touch.…”

The realities of life for people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities and mental health problems

“…Over the last 10 years, services have started to be set up for children with sexually abusive behaviour in the UK (Vizard 2006). However, 'There are few services available for the more disturbed and dangerous children with sexually abusive behaviour who may be co-morbid for several psychiatric disorders... A further difficulty is the lack of developmentally trained, specialist staff, including CAMHS staff, to undertake assessment and treatment of sexually abusive children in a variety of contexts' (Vizard 2006: 6).…”

“…Adolescence, or the transition from childhood to adulthood, is normally a time of growing independence from parents, the development of social identity (Cotterell 1996) and a time of sexual awakening and experimentation. For these mothers, who have been alerted to potentially abusive behaviour, it is difficult to establish what constitutes acceptable, explorative behaviour of an adolescent, and abnormal sexual behaviour and abuse As Vizard (2006) suggests, the situation is exacerbated by the widespread confusion about what 'normal' sexual behaviour is in children and adolescents. However, mothers described a range of behaviours which they considered abusive, for example:…”