Children and adolescents who present with sexually abusive behaviour: A UK descriptive study

Abstract Background: This study describes the largest UK sample of young people presenting with sexually abusive behaviour to a fourth-tier NHS specialist service. Aims: To describe the psychosocial and behavioural characteristics of these children. Method: The case files of 280 referrals to a national assessment and treatment service for young people displaying sexually harmful behaviour were reviewed using a specially designed research protocol. Results: The sample had experienced extremely emotionally deprived and abusive upbringings, with family instability and dysfunction. Early onset of sexual and aggressive behaviour, neuropsychological deficits, and mental health problems were noted. Conclusions: A matrix of developmental risk factors underlies the onset of sexually abusive behaviour in this sample. The need for a developmental model of sexually abusive behaviour in children is stressed.