Sixty child care workers in a British residential assessment program for male adolescents with possible behavior disorders rated vignettes describing either physical or sexual assault. Sexual assaults were perceived to be more serious than physical assaults and their perpetrators more dangerous. Female care workers perceived a greater difference…

Despite a rapid growth in research interest and treatment facilities for adolescent sex offenders, understanding of how these adolescents differ from non-offending adolescents remains incomplete. This study contributes to knowledge of the distinguishing characteristics of offenders and focuses on levels of sexual knowledge and empathy that…

An epidemiological survey revealed a 1-year period prevalence rate of 1.5 juvenile sexual offenders per 1000 males (ages 12-17) within Oxfordshire (England), and .85 per 1000 of all youth in that age group. The majority of sexually abusive youth were male, with a family history of neglect, physical abuse, and/or sexual abuse. Behavioral and…

Examines some reasons for the failure to protect young people in England and Wales from sexual abuse inherent in prostitution. Identifies characteristics of the child protection system which fit poorly for work with these youth. Argues that lasting improvement of these children's well-being depends on the creation of "joined-up,"…