The proportions of heterosexual and homosexual pedophiles among sex offenders against children: An exploratory study
Abstract
Previous investigations have indicated that the ratio of sex offenders against female children vs. offenders against male children is approximately 2:1, while the ratio of gynephiles to androphiles among the general population is approximately 20:1. The present study investigated whether the etiology of preferred partner sex among pedophiles is related to the etiology of preferred partner sex among males preferring adult partners. Using phallometric test sensitivities to calculate the proportion of true pedophiles among various groups of sex offenders against children, and taking into consideration previously reported mean numbers of victims per offender group, the ratio of heterosexual to homosexual pedophiles was calculated to be approximately 11:1. This suggests that the resulting proportion of true pedophiles among persons with a homosexual erotic development is greater than that in persons who develop heterosexually. This, of course, would not indicate that androphilic males have a greater propensity to offend against children.
- CitationsCitations21
- ReferencesReferences26
- "Child-attracted men are more likely to be attracted to boys than adult-attracted men are to be attracted to men (Bogaert, Bezeau, Kuban, & Blanchard, 1997; Freund & Watson, 1992; Hall & Hall, 2007; Wilson & Cox, 1983). Furthermore, attraction to boys has been associated with a higher likelihood of sexual offending (Hall & Hall, 2007; Hanson et al., 1993; Harris & Hanson, 2004). "
[Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: We conducted an Internet survey of 1,102 men sexually attracted to children concerning their history of adjudicated offenses related to child pornography and sexual contact with children. Most of the men reported no offenses, but their rate of offenses was much higher than that expected for adult-attracted men. Correlates of offending are consistent with a strong role of the cumulative effects of temptation, especially age. Older men, men who had repeatedly worked in jobs with children, men who had repeatedly fallen in love with children, and men who had often struggled not to offend were especially likely to have offended. Attraction to male children, relative attraction to children versus adults, and childhood sexual abuse experiences were also strong predictors of offending. In contrast, permissive attitudes regarding child-adult sex and frequent indulgence in sexual fantasies about children were not significantly related to offending. Our findings represent the first large study of offending among men sexually attracted to children who were not recruited via contact with the legal system. Because of methodological limitations, our findings cannot be definitive. Reassuringly, however, results are generally consistent with those from the most pertinent existing studies, of recidivism among convicted sex offenders.- "In relation to sex preference of the victims, the ratio of girls to boys is 11:1 among (male) paedophiles in contrast to 20:1 among (male) adults committing sex crimes like rape. The homosexual attraction is greater in paedophiles than in other adults involved with sexual crimes with nearly a 2:1 difference (Freund & Watson, 1992). With respect to the choice of children as the object of sexual desire, the distinction has been made between paedophiles and hebephiles, depending on the age of the children. "
- "Greenberg, Bradford, Firestone, and Curry (2000) showed that child sex offenders with " acquaintance " relationships to the victim were more likely to recidivate that those with " relative " relationships to the victim. Another analysis showed that those males who molest male victims were more likely to recidivate than those males who abuse female children (Freund and Watson, 1992). Some research showed that males who abuse younger victims were more likely to recidivate (Danni and Hampe, 2000). "
[Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: In the initial analysis of data from a random sample of all those charged with child sexual abuse in Idaho over a 13-year period, only one predictive variable was found that related to recidivism of those convicted. Variables such as ethnicity, relationship, gender, and age differences did not show a significant or even large association with recidivism. The only variable that seemed to show both a significant and almost moderate association to recidivism was the Risk Assessment in the Sex Offender Evaluation reoffense. Comparisons were made to prior research as well as a discussion of implications of the sex offender evaluation for the legal process. Finally, a call for the continued need for further research is discussed.
People who read this publication also read
Data provided are for informational purposes only. Although carefully collected, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Publisher conditions are provided by RoMEO. Differing provisions from the publisher's actual policy or licence agreement may be applicable.
This publication is from a journal that may support self archiving.
Learn more