Gail Ryan

Juvenile sex offenders: Development and correction☆

This paper addresses the developmental nature of sexually abusive behaviors as they apply to juvenile male sexual offenders. Socialization and sexual victimization are discussed. Three case histories elucidate and support the discussion of the development of victim offending. Significant treatment issues of juvenile male sexual offenders center around the sexual assault cycle which provides a framework for sexual offenders to conceptualize and understand the cognitive, behavioral, psychological, and situational factors which have resulted in their offense(s). Although sexual offenders and sexual offenses are each unique, the sexual assault cycle offers a means of addressing essential commonalities in the treatment of juvenile sexual offenders. Sexual offender specific treatment is viewed as essential for decreasing the risk of further sexual offenses, and thus decreasing the incidence of sexual victimization.

Victim to Victimizer Rethinking Victim Treatment

Victims of childhood sexual abuse may experience many dysfunctional outcomes. One negative outcome may be an increased risk of the sexually abused becoming sexually abusive to others. This article suggests that experience in the treatment of sexual offenders may have important implications for how we treat victims of child sexual abuse in order to prevent the development of sexual offending. Parallel issues in victimology and offenderology are explored, and suggestions are made for preventive interventions.

Treatment Of Sexually Abusive Youth The Evolving Consensus

Treatment of sexually abusive youth was initially informed by what had been learned in the treatment of adults who sexually offend. However, over time, important differences in understanding the developmental progression and in treatment approaches have evolved, some of which may now be used to inform the work with adults as well.

Childhood sexuality: a decade of study. Part I—research and curriculum development

OBJECTIVE One goal of the Kempe Centers Perpetration Prevention Program has been to increase the awareness and competence of professionals and parents in understanding and responding to the sexual behaviors of children in order to reduce the risk of children developing sexually abusive patterns of behavior. A decade of exploration and the development of curricula is reviewed in this paper. METHOD The evolving body of literature relevant to childhood sexuality and sexually abusive behaviors in childhood was reviewed. Several new sources of information and development of a teaching model for adults are described. RESULTS Children engage in a wide range of sexual behaviors, some of which may be observed by or reported to adults. Research encompassing diverse samples and methods converges to describe what is developmentally expected and what might be problematic. Professionals need to be trained to evaluate and respond to these behaviors objectively, without relying on the personal beliefs or values of individuals. CONCLUSION Children have a legitimate need for validation and correction of sexual learning. Adults often have not been trained to respond consistently to childrens behaviors, but are eager to obtain more information.

Preventing Violence and Trauma in the Next Generation

Research in recent times has clearly demonstrated that violence is predictable and preventable; however, the primary prevention of abusive and violent behavior will not occur without personal, interpersonal, and social change. This article reviews the empirical research supporting hypotheses for primary prevention of many risks associated with children becoming abusive.

Childhood sexuality: a decade of study. part ii--dissemination and future directions

OBJECTIVE One goal in perpetration prevention has been to increase the awareness and competence of professionals and parents in understanding and responding to the sexual behavior of children in order to reduce the risk of children developing sexually abusive behavior. A decade of experience in disseminating information about childrens sexual development and behavior is reviewed in this paper. METHOD Curricula developed at the Kempe Childrens Center, University of Colorado Health Science Center, were used to provide training to professionals and paraprofessional caregivers. The information has evolved into a variety of models for different purposes in different settings. RESULTS Children engage in a wide range of sexual behaviors, some of which adults observe or are told about by other children. Adults can be trained to evaluate what is developmentally expected or problematic, and to respond consistently on the basis of objective definitions and universal goals, rather than relying on the personal beliefs and values of individuals. CONCLUSION Because childrens sexual behaviors may pose a risk to themselves or others, there is a legitimate need for adults to respond to what they see and hear in order to validate or correct sexual learning in childhood. Adults are often not well informed about childhood sexuality and are eager to access objective information to inform their decision making in the care of children.

The Relationship of Trauma to Nonsexual Crimes Committed by Adolescent Sexual Abusers: A New Area of Research

In an early investigation on the topic of the relationship between trauma history and nonsexual crimes committed by sexual offenders, this study examined nonsexual crimes committed by a sample of 451 juvenile sexual abusers. More than 60% of this sample committed quite serious crimes (i.e., animal cruelty, arson, assault, burglary, car theft, drug-related crimes, or theft). Based on the delinquency literature, childhood victimization significantly predicted severity of criminal behavior for this sample. Implications for research and practice are discussed.