Thesis on "Serial Child Sex Offenders"

Thesis 5 pages (1669 words) Sources: 5 Style: APA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Serial Child Sex Offenders

Defining Sexual abuse

Child sexual abuse is an extremely common phenomenon in the United States and unlike what most people believe, 80% children are sexually abused by a family member while 19% children are abused by those they trust and are comfortable hanging out with and only 1% children are abused by a stranger. This shows that parents are mostly unaware of and pay little attention to the relationships their children are having.

While, child sexual abuse is an extremely common phenomenon, the legal process is handled on a case by case basis and is extremely complicated. Cases of sexually abused children are the only criminal proceedings that are handled this way. All other criminal acts are judged with their precedence. Neddermeyer (2005) writes, "If a person points a loaded gun at another person's head and says, "If you move, I will shoot you." That is considered a threat of attempted murder. If a person says, "I will kill you." That is considered a threat of attempted murder. In the case of sexual child abuse, not only can a person sexually abuse a child and be acquitted of any wrong doing, the definition is changed based on the person accused, and on a 'he said, he said or he said, she said basis (Neddermeyer, 2005)."

A word commonly used for child sexual abuse is incest, which is defined as a sexual activity amid two individuals who cannot legally marry each other because they are very closely related. For example incest happens when a father sexually abuses his own children or when brothers, sisters and/or cousins engage in sexual activity. However, it is safe to say that this definition does not fully comprehend the depth of child sexual abuse and therefore a new, more comprehensive definition was provided by Sue Blume inher book Secret Survivors. She writes:

"Incest is both sexual abuse and an abuse of power. It is violence that does not require force. Another is using the victim, treating them in a way that they do not want or in a way that is not appropriate by a person with whom a different relationship is required. It is abuse because it does not take into consideration the needs or wishes of the child; rather, it meets the needs of the other person at the child's expense. If the experience has sexual meaning for another person, in lieu of a nurturing purpose for the benefit of the child, it is abuse. If it is unwanted or inappropriate for her age or the relationship, it is abuse. Incest [sexual abuse] can occur through words, sounds, or even exposure of the child to sights or acts that are sexual but do not involve her. If she is forced to see what she does not want to see, for instance, by an exhibitionist, it is abuse. If a child is forced into an experience that is sexual in content or overtone that is abuse. As long as the child is induced into sexual activity with someone who is in a position of greater power, whether that power is derived through the perpetrator's age, size, status, or relationship, the act is abusive. A child who cannot refuse, or who believes she or he cannot refuse, is a child who has been violated." (E. Sue Blume, Secret Survivors)."

Modern form of sexual abuse occurs not just between blood relatives but also between an adult and a child who have emotional bonds. Therefore, the new definition includes not simply the blood relation amid the abuser and the victim but also the experience of the child (Neddermeyer, 2005).

Neddermeyer (2005) in her study reviews the various forms of child sexual abuse and illustrates the strategies and tactics of child sexual abusers. She writes, "A sex offender's ruse, their cunning distortion of the truth and their insidious ability to con people into believing they are innocent and/or the beleaguered party. i.e. Michael Jackson's attorney was successful in convincing the jury that this family's motive was extortion. Or worse that society has sexual hang ups about adults sleeping or bathing with children (Neddermeyer, 2005)."

The aforementioned definitions have got to be considered whist solving cases related to child sexual abuse. If the courts fail to follow a standard procedure, then this menace will continue to grow and children will continue to suffer while sexual abusers will become more bold and fearless (Neddermeyer, 2005).

Character Sketch of Child Sexual Abusers

Child sexual abusers present themselves as regular community members who work and live like other ordinary people. They can be business people, leaders of religious institutions or even political figures. These individuals very rarely fit the stereotypical education, social class, profession or traditions. Quite often, child sexual abusers turn out to be people we really like, admire, are fond of or are married to. Neddermeyer (2005) argues that for the precise reasons mentioned above, "Jackson's family, fans and the uninformed can unequivocally believe he could not possibly be an Ephebophile -- having a sexual attraction to adolescents (Neddermeyer, 2005)."

Communities tend to be deceived by the child sexual abusers because these criminals are extremely clever and wise in their ways and have a strategy and plan for action. They know when to move close, how to bypass the elder people without creating doubt and how and when to take action. Neddermeyer (2005) writes that they are "cunning predators with a honed mode of operation. They are experts at manipulation, thus escaping adult reality. They feel entitled, justifying their actions as loving; not harming the child. They expend considerable energy maintaining this illusion to themselves and others. They create a persona of goodness beyond reproach. They go to great lengths to present themselves as exemplary people, who love children (Neddermeyer, 2005)."

Similarly, Finkelhor (1984) and Araji and Finkelhor (1985) reveal four factors that trigger the growth and development of child molester's behavior. The four causes lie at the root of all their criminal behavior and activities. These factors are interrelated and they differ in degrees and forms, depending on the context and the situation. These four causes are as follows:

Sexual arousal;

Emotional congruence;

Blockage; and Disinhibition.

Sexual arousal: With regards to sexual arousal, the theory states that the child sexual abuser can be sexually aroused by a child only when he himself has been culturally and socially conditioned to react in that particular way. This behavior is reinforced through frequent practices of masturbation.

Emotional congruence: With regards to emotional congruence, the theory states that child sexual abusers feel very comfortable and content after they become close to their world-be victim. This is coupled with the desire to satisfy their lust through sexual abuse. Both, feelings of contentment and lust, cause the sexual abuser to abuse the child.

Blockage: With regards to blockage, the theory states that the adult himself has not been engaged in any form of sexual activity for a number of reasons such as, having bad sexual experiences with other adults, dysfunctional sexual behavior, poor social skills, or familial troubles. This blockage heightens the lust of the perpetrators to go after children.

Disinhibition: With regards to disinhibition, the theory states that the adult has no control over his feelings and his sexual abuse acts are primarily acted due to impulse and lack of control. This lack of control can be due to substance abuse, drinking, stress, psychosis, or family rules that barely exist.

The researchers conclude their study by stating that if one examines these factors in detail, it becomes clear why most sexual abusers are male and not female. A number of research studies have examined child sexual abuse from a gender perspective. These studies have concluded that it is very rare for women to sexually abuse children. For instance, Rowan, Rowan, and… READ MORE

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