Young sexual abusers: A descriptive study of a UK sample of children showing sexually harmful behaviours
Published Mar 1, 2005 · E. Bladon, E. Vizard, L. French
The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology
33
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the nature and prevalence of psychopathology in a cohort of child and adolescent sexual abusers referred to the Young Abusers Project, a specialist national 4th tier forensic assessment and treatment service. Demographic and psychiatric data collected on children seen in the service between 1992 and 2000 were subject to systematic file review. Results suggested that these children have significant psychosocial and psychiatric vulnerabilities, consistent with other descriptive studies. In particular, high levels of severe conduct disorder, PTSD and paraphilias were found, along with a high prevalence of sexual and physical abuse. Implications of these findings are discussed both in relation to the assessment, treatment and management of children who exhibit high-risk sexualized behaviours and to the utility of current classification systems for these children.