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Incarcerated Adolescents' Experiences as Perpetrators of Sexual Assault
Robert E. Morris, MD;
Martin M. Anderson, MD, MPH;
George W. Knox, PhD
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2002;156:831-835.
Objectives To identify self-reported characteristics of past sexual assaults perpetrated
by incarcerated juveniles and to determine potential precursors of this behavior.
Participants and Methods Participants completed an anonymous written questionnaire regarding
their experiences of sexual abuse and/or assault as both a victim and a perpetrator.
The questionnaire was incorporated into an existing annual survey of gang-related
behaviors.
Results A total of 805 adolescents (707 boys, 91 girls, and 7 gender-not-designated)
participated. Of these teens, 79 males (11% of the males), 9 females (10%
of the females), and 5 (71%) gender-not-designated said they had forced sex
on someone (165 did not answer the question). Twenty-eight males (30% of the
male perpetrators) and 4 females (44% of the female perpetrators) were both
victims and perpetrators. Drugs and/or alcohol were frequently used by both
the assailant (58% of the males and 55% of the females) and the victim (56%
for the males and 66% for the females). The attributes of adolescent boys
at highest risk of becoming perpetrators were all related to violence, including
exposure to parents who were violent in the home (adjusted odds ratio, 2.68),
being a victim of physical or sexual assault (adjusted odds ratio, 2.83),
having parents who encouraged gang membership (adjusted odds ratio, 3.58),
and knowing a perpetrator of sexual violence (adjusted odds ratio, 3.83).
Conclusions Adolescent boys and girls were both victims and perpetrators of sexual
assault. Programs that identify and target violence in young children's lives,
particularly intrafamilial violence, may reduce the risk of teenagers becoming
perpetrators of sexual violence. Anticipatory guidance during teen years,
regarding risk and avoidance of sexual exploitation, may be helpful in reducing
the chances of sexual assaults.
From the Department of Pediatrics, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles,
Calif (Drs Morris and Anderson); and the National Gang Crime Research Center,
Chicago State University, Chicago, Ill (Dr Knox).
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES
Assessment of Criminal Recidivism Risk with Adolescents who have Offended Sexually: A Review
Worling and Langstrom
Trauma Violence Abuse 2003;4:341-362.
ABSTRACT
Understanding and Preventing Violence in Children and Adolescents
Rivara
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2002;156:746-747.
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