Journal of Trauma & Treatment

Associations Between Trauma History and Juvenile Sexual Offending

Abstract

Laura EW Leenarts*, Larkin S McReynolds, Robert RJM Vermeiren, Theo AH Doreleijers4 and Gail A Wasserman

Current study examined the contributions of demographic characteristics, mental health problems and interpersonal trauma history to juvenile sexual offending, and the degree to which juvenile sexual offenders differ from nonsexual interpersonal offenders. Results are based on secondary analysis of a large dataset (n= 2920) of psychiatric assessments of juveniles (USA). T-test and chi-square analyses compared demographic, offense, and diagnostic characteristics of juvenile sexual offenders and nonsexual interpersonal offenders. Logistic regression examined the relationship between type of trauma exposure and sex offender status, adjusting for other significant demographic and diagnostic contributors. Results show that compared to juvenile nonsexual interpersonal offenders, sexual offenders were significantly less likely to be female, to be African American, or to meet criteria for a substance use disorder; juvenile sexual offenders were significantly more likely to have a lifetime history of a suicide attempt and a history of sexual victimization. A set of demographic and diagnostic characteristics contributed significantly to juvenile sexual offending, as did self-reported history of sexual trauma. Findings indicate that juvenile sexual offenders in some aspects differ from nonsexual interpersonal offenders; sexual victimization plays an important role in explaining some sexually abusive behavior. Further research should identify interventions that are effective for these youth.