Do sexual offenders molest when other persons are present? A preliminary investigation

This study utilized a rough clinical survey to assess the prevalence of child molestation perpetrated in the presence of other non-collaborating persons. Survey data were gathered on 131 post-incarcerated adult sex offenders at two community treatment programs. Subjects were divided into two groups, child molesters (CMs) and nonmolesters (NCMs). Results indicated that 54.9% of the CMs had molested when another child was present, 23.9% had molested when another adult was present, and 14.2% had molested when both a child and an adult were present. Both groups implicated increased excitement, a sense of mastery, and compulsive sexual behavior as the reasons for this type of offense. Moreover, the data indicated that approximately 63% of the offenders who had not molested in the presence of other persons felt they may have progressed to that point had they not been arrested and placed in treatment. Limitations of the study are discussed.