Understanding Juvenile Sex Offenders: Research Findings and Guidelines for Effective Management and Treatment

Juvenile perpetrated sexual aggression has been a problem of growing concern in American society over the past decade. Currently it is estimated that juveniles account for up to one-fifth of the rapes, and one-half of the cases of child molestation committed in the United States each year. The majority of cases of juvenile sexual aggression appear to involve adolescent male perpetrators; however, a number of clinical studies have pointed to the presence of females and prepubescent youths who have engaged in sexually abusive behaviors. Juvenile sexual offending appears to traverse racial and cultural boundaries. Causes and Patterns of Juvenile Sex Offending