Journal of Sexual Aggression 

About: Journal of Sexual Aggression is an academic journal published by Routledge. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Poison control & Sexual abuse. It has an ISSN identifier of 1355-2600. Over the lifetime, 607 publications have been published receiving 12121 citations. The journal is also known as: The journal of sexual aggression.

Sexual grooming of children: Review of literature and theoretical considerations

Abstract: The current review aims to outline the existing understanding of sexual grooming. Issues of poor definition, the adoption of the term “grooming” and the prevalence of sexual grooming will be discussed. Consideration will be given to how prominent theories of child sexual abuse often neglect sexual grooming. This will be followed by a detailed account of the existing knowledge within the literature. Three types of sexual grooming were thus identified: self-grooming, grooming the environment and significant others and grooming the child. Based on these findings, a new definition of sexual grooming is suggested. Furthermore, the findings correspond well with current models of the sexual offence process. A more comprehensive understanding of sexual grooming is required to facilitate a preventative approach to child protection.

Good lives, aetiology and the rehabilitation of sex offenders: A bridging theory

Abstract: In this paper we argue that rehabilitation theories create a conceptual bridge between theories of aetiology and clinical practice. They do this by virtue of their specification of the key constructs of change and the underlying normative and psychological assumptions concerning the domain in question. We suggest that the risk management theory underpinning deficit aetiological models and the relapse prevention treatment approach contains significant problems. In place of this theory of rehabilitation, we introduce the good lives model (GLM), arguing that its focus on offender strengths and primary human goods provides a more holistic and constructive way of treating sex offenders. First, the GLM of offender rehabilitation is outlined, spelling out the role of primary human goods and their implication for treatment. Second, we utilize the theory of primary human goods in an analysis of causal factors typically associated with sexual abuse. Third, the clinical implications of the GLM are explicitly drawn out and it is revealed how it can operate as a bridging theory between aetiological models and clinical practice. Finally, the paper is concluded with a consideration of the research and practice implications of this theory of rehabilitation.

Therapist characteristics in the treatment of sexual offenders: Tentative data on their relationship with indices of behaviour change

Abstract: The present study examined the relationship between reliably identified therapist characteristics and treatment-induced changes in sexual offender treatment programmes in English prisons. The results indicated that 10 therapist features predicted beneficial changes in coping skills, perspective-taking, and relationship difficulties. A confrontational style, on the other hand, was negatively related to increased competence in coping. The results are discussed in terms of their research and clinical implications.

Prevalence of sexual abuse in organised competitive sport in Australia

Abstract: This article reports the first phase of a three-phase research programme investigating the prevalence and long-term sequelae associated with sexual abuse in a non-psychiatric sample of male and female Australian athletes. A cross-sectional, retrospective design, using a mailed survey, provided a quantitative assessment of sexual abuse prevalence in a national sample of elite athletes and a regional sample of club athletes. Results from the total sample (n = 370) revealed that 31% of female and 21% of male athletes reported experiencing sexual abuse at some time in their lives. Of these, 41% of females, and 29% of males had been sexually abused within the sports environment. It was also found that almost half, 46.4%, of the elite group reporting sexual abuse had been sexually abused by sports personnel. For the club group, this figure was 25.6%. Implications of these results and current initiatives for the prevention of sexual abuse of athletes in Australia are discussed.

Female sex offenders: Clinical and demographic features

Abstract: This paper provides clinical and demographic data on 12 female child sex offenders in the correctional system in Victoria. Information was obtained through clinical assessments completed whilst women were incarcerated or in the community setting and from sentencing comments. An analysis of this information revealed that the characteristics of these women and their offences generally fitted the profile of female sex offenders described in the current literature. However, the findings also revealed that the women differed in some respects to the typical portrayal of female sex offenders. Although the majority of women were co-offenders with males, only a few females appeared coerced and motivated by fear. In the group of male accompanied offences, women were also motivated by rejection and revenge, leading to the development and extension of a new category - the male accompanied: rejected/revengeful.