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December 8, 2004
Chance of Sexually Abused Adolescent Boys Abusing
other Children Increased by Unrelated Life Circumstances
Findings of a study indicate that adolescent male victims of sexual abuse are more likely
to victimize other children due to reasons unrelated to their experience. While childhood
victims of abuse are at a slightly increased risk of abusing others—as a result of
their experience--the cycle of violence is much more likely to occur if the subject
witnessed intrafamily violence and was exposed to negative parental behavior. |
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Previous studies have indicated that 3% of boys and 37% of girls become victims of sexual
abuse. Sexual abuse has been linked to mental and health disorders later in life,
including depression and sexual dysfunction.
Researchers hoped to determine which factors might increase the risk of a sexually abused
adolescent boy developing sexually abusive behavior. Investigators hypothesized that males
who are abused as children are more likely to abuse others as adults.
Methods
Researchers compared 11 adolescent boys aged between 11 and 16 years who were sexually
abused and victimized other children with a cohort of 14 boys who were sexually abused
only. Subjects were evaluated at a postgraduate teaching hospital in London. Investigators
assessed pubertal status, background, friendships and cognition using the Wechsler
intelligence scales
Investigators conducted structured interviews measuring attachment and hostility as well
as less structured evaluations assessing the subject’s life history, sexual fantasies
and the sexually abusive behavior experienced. Pubertal development was assessed by
self-report (from photographs) of testicular development and pubic hair growth.
Results
All of the eleven subjects in the abuser group either experienced and or witnessed
intrafamily violence before they became victims of sexual abuse. Two of the fourteen boys
who did not abuse, witnessed intrafamily violence at home.
Researchers noted that a limitation of this study was the small sample size.
Conclusions:
Investigators concluded that sexually abused adolescent males have a greater chance of
abusing others if negative situational factors are present and if they were exposed to
intrafamily violence before the abuse occurred. Researchers asserted that the findings of
this study raise the question of whether interventions to prevent sexual abuse by male
victims of abuse should be initiated. Treatment professionals should consider the impact
of early life experiences of sexually abused boys when creating interventions.
Author and inquiries
David Skuse, professor of Behavioral Sciences, University of Southampton
Behavioral Sciences Unit, Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH,
Department of Psychological Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children NHS
Trust, London WC1N 3JH, c Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton
SO17 1RJ
Correspondence to: Professor Skuse dskuse@ich.ucl.ac.uk
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