Adverse Childhood Experiences in the Lives of Male Sex Offenders: Implications for Trauma-Informed Care. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Levenson, Jill S.; Willis, Gwenda M.; Prescott, David S.
• Is Part Of: Sexual abuse. Volume 28:Number 4(2016)
• Page Start: 340
• Page End: 359
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: adverse childhood experiences -- sexual offender treatment -- trauma-informed care; Sex offenders -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Sex offenders -- Psychology -- Periodicals; 616.8583
• DOI: 10.1177/1079063214535819
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1079-0632

Abstract

This study explored the prevalence of childhood trauma in a sample of male sexual offenders ( N = 679) using the Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) scale. Compared with males in the general population, sex offenders had more than 3 times the odds of child sexual abuse (CSA), nearly twice the odds of physical abuse, 13 times the odds of verbal abuse, and more than 4 times the odds of emotional neglect and coming from a broken home. Less than 16% endorsed zero ACEs and nearly half endorsed four or more. Multiple maltreatments often co-occurred with other types of household dysfunction, suggesting that many sex offenders were raised within a disordered social environment. Higher ACE scores were associated with higher risk scores. By enhancing our understanding of the frequency and correlates of early adverse experiences, we can better devise trauma-informed interventions that respond to the clinical needs of sex offender clients.