Title: CSOM Publications
Headings: Research Developments

Content: those who target children and those who offend against peers or adults. The distinction between these two groups is based on the age difference between the victim and the perpetrator (child perpetrators are those who target children five or more years younger than themselves). The following table examines distinctions in characteristics between these two groups of sexually abusive youth. Comparing Two Sub-Groups of Sexually Abusive Youth
Characteristics: Offend Against Peers or Adults
Offend Against Children
Victims
Predominantly assault females. Assault mostly strangers or acquaintances (Hunter et al, in press). Females victimized at slightly higher rates. Nearly half assault at least one male. Up to 40 percent of victims are either siblings or relatives (Hunter et al, in press). Offense Patterns
More likely to commit in conjunction with other criminal activity.