Sex Abuse

A study from the University of Georgia says a large sample of female child molesters were victims of sexual abuse as children.

Five to seven percent of sex crimes are committed by females.

The study focuses on improving information to better treat and reduce the likelihood of future sexual assaults on children.

Assistant professor and author of the study—Susan Strickland says the public has ignored sexual abuse of minors by females.

The study surveyed 130 incarcerated females—60 of which were sex-offenders.

Strickland says child abuse and childhood trauma are among the leading causes for committing sexual offences by women.

She says childhood abuse and sexual abuse of women in prison is just enormous—most women in prison have experience childhood abuse.

Her study found that the subset of female offenders commit sex offenses
also suffered childhood trauma—and much more sexual abuse.

Childhood abuse has also been linked to emotional and behavioral problems.

According to her study Strickland says female sex offenders tend to struggle with relationships and lack the social skills to have adult partners.

Strickland concludes that adequate treatment must focus on past trauma and focus on developing adequate skills to appropriate sexual and emotional encounters with adults.

Only a minority of girls who were sexually abused become offenders—but Strickland believes potential sexual assaults on children could be reduced.