Could My Child Be Sexually Abusing Other Children - Juvenile Sex Offenders
Posted: Tuesday, October 19, 2010
by Judy H. Wright
Artichoke Press
It is not the strangers who manipulate and prey on their sexual victims, it is someone who is usually known and respected by the family. Sexual abuse is often first committed by juvenile family members who are loved and trusted. As hormones begin to surge and if they have not been taught how to handle thoughts and urges, they may experiment on younger siblings or cousins.
Sexual offenses committed by adolescents has often been overlooked or not made public to protect the rights of minors. However, it has been estimated that 50 per cent of all offenses perpetrated against children under the age of 12 are committed by adolescents. Most of those involve someone the offender knows; a sibling, neighbor, child of a friend or family member such as a cousin.
Juvenile sex offenders usual have many other social and mental needs and if they come to the attention of authorities, it is usually for other delinquent behaviors. Most have been exposed to violent and aggressive role models either in person or via Internet porn sites or magazines.
The majority of juvenile sex offenders is socially isolated and has not developed age appropriate friends and behaviors. Most will not receive the therapy and assistance needed to re frame their thought patterns because the family will try to protect the offender as well as the victim with the idea of keeping "the secret."
What are characteristics of juvenile sex offenders?
The Center for Sex Offender Management tells us to watch for these red flags:
- Juvenile sex offenders are typically between the ages of thirteen and seventeen and are generally male. 30-60 per cent exhibit learning disabilities and academic dysfunction. Up to 80 percent have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder. Many have difficulties with impulse control and judgment.
- 20-50 per cent have histories of physical abuse 40-80 per cent have histories of sexual abuse. Some professionals believe a history of victimization is virtually universal among juvenile sex offenders. Most have been exposed to violent adult role models or aggressive older youth.
If your instinct or intuition tells you that something is just not right with your child and perhaps they are abusing younger children, seek help.
You will not only be saving innocent victims from trauma, but you will be assisting your child to learn proper boundaries and to harness inappropriate thoughts and actions. The sooner he or she receives help, the better. Don't wait, hoping they will grow out of it.
Questions To Think About
- Were you given correct information about the sexual changes in your body as a child?
- Did you feel you could be open about scary situations with your parents?
- If you were touched inappropriately as a child, did you tell someone else?
- If your adolescent is behaving sexually in an inappropriate way, is there help for him/her?
- Can sexual trauma be overcome?
You are a good, kind and caring parent if you are reading this article. You were drawn to the information presented here. If you child is sexually abusing other children, you will have the courage to find help for the offender and the victim. Juvenile sexual offenders can change much easier than those who have allowed this inappropriate action to become a habit or obsession.
Be sure to sign up to receive the e-zine (newsletter) The Artichoke-finding the heart of the story in the journey of life at http://www.ArtichokePress.com You will be sent a free e-Book on Using Encouraging Words. You will also be notified when a new book comes out on dealing with sexual trauma.
Artichoke Press is the home site of Judy H. Wright, family relationship coach and author of over 20 books and many articles on family relationships. If your organization would like to schedule Auntie Artichoke, the storytelling trainer, for a workshop please call 406.549.9813.
Judy H. Wright http://www.ArtichokePress.com You have permission to reprint this article in your blog, e-zine or offline magazine as long as you keep the content and contact information intact. Thank You.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)It must be very hard for parents to acknowledge that their son might be abusing other children. I hope that many such parents read your article and do the right thing.
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