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Women who molest children
The Bulletin of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Female perpetrators are rare in child molestation cases, accounting for only nine of 600 instances in New Hampshire and Vermont. These cases often involve a history of sexual assault, male partners, and disinhibition due to character disorders or low intelligence.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Criminology
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Child molestation is a serious offense with significant societal impact.
- Understanding perpetrator typologies is crucial for prevention and intervention.
- Female perpetration of child sexual abuse is less studied than male perpetration.
Observation:
- Analysis of approximately 600 child molestation cases in New Hampshire and Vermont revealed only nine instances where the perpetrator was female.
- Case histories and testing data were examined for these nine female perpetrators.
- The study focused on identifying common characteristics and contributing factors.
Findings:
- Female perpetrators frequently had a history of childhood sexual assault.
- Offending often occurred in the presence of a dominant male partner.
- Severe character disorders or limited intelligence were common, leading to disinhibition.
- These factors impaired maternal bonding and judgment regarding sexual contact with children.
Implications:
- Findings highlight the need for tailored interventions for female perpetrators of child sexual abuse.
- Understanding the role of male partners and psychological factors is essential for treatment.
- This research contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of child sexual abuse dynamics.