UK Child Protection Charity Calls for Recognition of Scale of Female Sexual Offending + Research Literature

Female Sexual Abusers - Facts and Fiction (March 2010)

Female Sex Offenders Handout

Dr Theresa Gannon - University Of Kent

Director of the MSc in Forensic Psychology
Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology
Chartered Forensic Psychologist

Research Interests

* The cognition of child molesters, rapists, and violent offenders.
* Female sex offenders.
* The rehabilitation and treatment of sexual offenders.
* Applied cognitive-experimental psychology.
* Arson and firesetting.

Research on Female Sex Offenders

I have been researching female sexual offending over the past few years. I first began researching female sexual offenders in 2006 when I was awarded an Economic and Social Research Council Grant to investigate female sexual offenders’ offence supportive beliefs (Gannon, T. A., & Rose, M. R. (2009) Offence-related interpretative bias in female child molesters: A preliminary study:-

Abstract

Although female child molesters are hypothesized to hold offence-supportive cognitions that facilitate their sexual offences, there have been no implicit social-cognitive studies used to investigate this. Using an implicit memory recognition paradigm, we show that female child molesters—relative to female offender controls—are more likely to interpret ambiguous information about males in a threatening manner. These results suggest that female child molesters hold a series of beliefs about men’s dangerousness and power. We discuss these results and explore the possibility that these beliefs about male dangerousness are related to a risk of abusing children.

http://www.kent.ac.uk/psychology/people/gannont/Publication%201.pdf

Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, 21, 194- 207, and Gannon, T. A., Rose, M. R., & Williams, S. E. (2009). Do female child molesters hold implicit associations between children and sex? A preliminary investigation:-

http://www.kent.ac.uk/psychology/people/gannont/Publication%202.pdf
(Journal of Sexual Aggression, 15, 55-61).

I have also expanded my interests in female sexual offenders through investigating the offending styles of female sexual offenders, and through developing the first model of female sexual offending. This model is called the Descriptive Model of Female Sexual Offending:-

http://www.kent.ac.uk/psychology/people/gannont/Publication%202.pdf

and outlines the role of cognitive, behavioural, affective, and contextual factors associated with female perpetrated abuse. I am currently working on further developing this model, but it can be used as a preliminary guide to treatment in its current form and we have written a publication outlining some key case studies which we hope might be useful to treatment professionals (Gannon, T. A., Rose, M. R., & Ward, T. (in press). Pathways to female sexual offending: A preliminary study:-

http://www.kent.ac.uk/psychology/people/gannont/Publication%205.pdf
(Psychology Crime and Law).

My key collaborators on the topic of female-perpetrated sexual offending are Mariamne Rose (Clinical Psychologist in Training) and Dr. Franca Cortoni (University of Montreal). Mariamne and I have written some key reviews on the nature and extent of female-perpetrated abuse (Gannon, T. A., & Rose, M. R. (2008). Female child sexual offenders: Towards integrating theory and practice:-

http://www.kent.ac.uk/psychology/people/gannont/Publication%206.pdf

(Aggression and Violent Behavior, 13, 6, 442-461),

and Franca Cortoni and I have just completed a co-edited book together on the topic of female-perpetrated abuse which is due out early 2010:-

http://www.kent.ac.uk/psychology/people/gannont/Publication%207.pdf
(Sample introductory chapter].

To request an interview with Dr Gannon on the topic of female sexual offenders, or any of her specialist research interests please contact the Media Office at the University of Kent:

Tel: 01227 823581/823100
Email: MediaOffice@kent.ac.uk [22]
Key Publications

Gannon, T. A., Ward, T.,Beech, A. R., & Fisher, D. (2007), Aggressive offenders’ cognition: Theory research and practice (296 pages). Chichester, UK: John Wiley.

Gannon, T. A., Ward, T., Collie, R. M., & Thakker, J. (in press). Rape: Psychopathology and theory. Clinical Psychology Review.

Gannon, T. A., & Rose, M. R. (in press). Female child sexual offenders: Towards integrating theory and practice. Aggression and Violent Behavior.

Gannon, T. A., & Polaschek, D. L. L. (2006). Cognitive distortions in child molesters: A re-examination of key theories and research. Clinical Psychology Review, 26, 1000-1019.

http://www.kent.ac.uk/psychology/people/gannont/

A Series of Misconceptions - Perceptions of Sexual Abuse by Female Offenders

05-17-2010

By Monica Applewhite, Ph.D.

Expert in standards of care and the dynamics of abuse in educational and religious environments



When most people begin a conversation about sexual abuse perpetrated by a male offender they don’t start with, “Gee, where was that coach when I was a kid?” or “why couldn’t I have had a teacher like that?” or “Wow, he’s good-looking, they didn’t make ‘em like that when I was that age!” In fact, this kind of comment would be met with such a vehemently negative response that the speaker would probably be reluctant to talk at all for the next several hours! Why then, do we still hear precisely these comments when discussing incidents of sexual abuse by female offenders?

Let’s consider what we know…

Minimization of Reports—

Researchers have found that the misconceptions of sexual abuse by females permeate our criminal justice system, mental and medical health fields, and other professions that address sexual abuse. Law enforcement training tends to address male sexual offenders exclusively and this, along with pre-existing cultural biases, affects their response to reports of female-perpetrated abuse. Studies show that police officers tend initially to react with disbelief to allegations of sexual abuse by women, and they minimize the seriousness of the reports and view female suspect as less “dangerous” than male offenders. Along with other professionals, law enforcement officers are also more likely to label cases as “unfounded” when they involve women (Department of Justice, 2007).

Perception that Female Sexual Abuse Does Not Cause Harm—

By far the most prevalent reason female sexual offending is not taken seriously is because both men and women tend to believe sexual abuse by women and girls is not harmful to victims. Media images of attractive women and “willing” adolescent boys have existed for many years in news reports, books, television, and movies. Now we have news outlets that focus an inordinate amount of attention on any case that fits the, often stereotypical, pattern of a teen boy and pretty, young teacher. The truth is that while some female offenders do target teen boys, a greater percentage target young children of both genders. More importantly, there is no study that shows that the harm caused to victims of any age is any less when the perpetrator is a female than when the perpetrator is a male. In fact, several studies suggest that that harm may be greater because the expectation of trust was higher and the secondary trauma of not being believed or taken seriously served to increase harm to victims. In one study that included male and female victims of both male and female perpetrators, 100 percent of these victims reported that the female-perpetrated abuse was more damaging. One victim reported, “There is a deeper sense of betrayal with a female perpetrator. It’s like there is no safe place… that’s a bitter betrayal” (Denov, 2004). Although this is a subjective view, it certainly negates the belief that abuse by women does not cause harm.

Misunderstanding the Experiences of Victims—

In studies of male and female victims of female-perpetrated abuse, both genders demonstrate long-term negative effects associated with the abuse. These effects include substance abuse, self-injury, depression, rage, strained intimate and sexual relationships, depression, and poor self-concept. Adult men report effects of a similar magnitude to women, with some distinctions of experience. One man reported, “I felt like I was a victim, for a man to be a victim is an embarrassment… A real man is not a victim, a real man is always in charge, always resists, and is always in control. A man who is a victim is a failure. In that respect, I felt like I had to hide the fact that I was a victim” (Denov, 2004).

Conclusion—

With adult women accounting for seven percent of adult arrests for sexual offenses and adolescent girls accounting for 27 percent of arrests for sexual offenses by adolescents, we are not discussing an insignificant problem. Couple these statistics with the fact that we know women and teen girls are less likely to be reported to the police and less likely to be arrested and charged, and we are clearly dealing with a problem that is worthy of our interest and our energy. Next time you hear someone say, “Where was that teacher when I was a kid?”—be sure to pass this information along.

For further reading:

Female Sex Offenders (March, 2007). Center for Sex Offender Management, A Project of the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

Denov, M. S. (2004). The Long-Term Effects of Child Sexual Abuse by Female Perpetrators: A Qualitative Study of Male and Female Victims. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 19, 1137.

http://www.virtus.org/virtus/index.cfm?free_articles_id=865&scheddate=05-17-2010

Professional response and attitudes toward female-perpetrated child sexual abuse

a study of psychologists, psychiatrists, probationary psychologists and child protection workers

First Published on: 10 February 2010

Subjects: Criminology; Criminology & Delinquency; Ethics & Legal issues in Mental Health; Forensic Psychiatry; Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology - Adult; Social Psychology;

Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that lay people and professionals both tend to deny or minimise female-perpetrated sexual abuse of children. However, such abuse has been shown to have negative impacts on the victims. This study investigated whether professionals who might work with victims or perpetrators of childhood sexual abuse show a bias in processing scenarios and making decisions when confronted such abuse. A sample of 231 psychiatrists, psychologists, probationary psychologists and child protection workers responded to variations in vignettes in which women and men offended against children, and completed a questionnaire assessing attitudes to women's sexually abusive/offending behaviour toward children. All professional groups regarded cases involving female perpetrators of child sexual abuse as serious and deserving of professional attention. However, while there were some differences between groups, female perpetrators were more likely than male perpetrators to be considered leniently, suggesting that minimisation of female-perpetrated sexual abuse of children may persist in the professional arena. As a result, both female perpetrators of sexual abuse and their victims may go untreated, and in the case of perpetrators, their behaviour may go unsanctioned. Training for professionals to enhance their understanding of the seriousness of sexual abuse perpetrated by women is indicated.

http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a919190962~db=all~jumptype=rss

The Phoenix Chief Advocates (TPCA)

Shy Keenan, Fiona Crook and Sara Payne



http://tpcauk.com

What is a paedophile?

Encarta: An adult who has sexual desire for children or who has committed the crime of sex with a child. Alternative spelling: Pedophile. TPCA: When a male or female adult sexually abuses or exploits any child under the legal age of consent.

Category: Paedophiles


Are paedophiles always men?

No, whilst there are indeed more men than women, under a quarter of paedophile crimes are committed by women, who do the same harm and damage and pose the same risk as their male counterparts. There is a public reluctance to believe paedophiles exist, let alone how many, however, the public are even less inclined to accept that females can be willing, self-driven predatory paedophiles. As a result of this positive social discrimination, female paedophiles don’t tend to get charged, convicted and are therefore not properly represented in the official statistics.

Category: Paedophiles

http://pub11.bravenet.com/faq/show.php?usernum=880374447&catid=9110

How to 'piss off' a paedophile (man or woman)

From the feminist blog 'Equal Writes'

Why gendered stereotypes actually help female paedophiles

November 10, 2009

We already know that gender-based stereotypes can be extremely dangerous in sexual-abuse situations, but usually we assume that they endanger the woman involved (her jeans were too tight—she wouldn’t be wearing clothes like that if she didn’t want to—she was asking for it—no really means yes—girls like to tease—and so on). But what happens when such stereotypes actually protect women and instead endanger their victims?

I can’t speak for anyone else, but when I hear the word “pedophile,” I picture a man. Indeed, the sexual abuse of children is societally understood to be a crime perpetrated by males—in general, I think, we assume that women are extremely unlikely (and maybe even incapable) of sexually abusing a child. Traditional stereotypes of women as nurturing, inherently maternal, instinctively sympathetic toward children, and (perhaps more insidiously) less sexually active or sexually violent than men, all contribute to this belief. And yet the BBC reports that Childline, a British organization that offers support and counseling for child victims of sexual abuse, has seen a steady increase in the number of calls from young boys who have been abused by women—in fact, in the past five years, the number of children reporting sexual abuse by a woman has risen five times faster than the number of those reporting abuse by a man.

Historically, sexual abuse by women is vastly underreported because it carries such stigma. According to Dr Lisa Bunting, a researcher for NSPCC (a part of Childline), there is even greater guilt and shame attached to being the victim of a female abuser: “We get a lot of stigma with any type of sex abuse, but this is particularly the case in the participation of women.” She says victims are more likely to “internalize” the abuse than to report it, not only because they fear that their stories will not be believed, but also because they have difficulty coping with the sheer fact of the abuse—they struggle to believe that a woman would be capable of such a crime.

The professionals who treat and care for child victims of sexual abuse often exhibit the same disbelief about female perpetrators (which only serves to reify the victims’ fear that their experiences will be dismissed as false or exaggerated). Childline suggests that professionals are more reluctant to acknowledge sexual abuse by a woman, especially in cases where the abuser is the child’s mother—which account for about two-thirds of female-abuse claims made on their helpline—but also that the British policies, guidelines, and practices for child protective services and the management of sexual offenders do not deal adequately with the circumstance of a female offender. Dr Bunting explains, “If you don’t think females are capable of committing sex offences, then you are never going to be looking for that.”

Fortunately, Childline thinks that the drastic upswing in claims of child abuse by women does not reflect an increase in the rate of abuse, but in the rate of reporting. They wonder whether this trend might be connected to the recent Vanessa George scandal, wherein a British nursery worker was revealed to have abused children under her care and to have participated in an internet pedophilia ring. With sexual abuse specifically by a woman coming to occupy a prominent and acknowledged place in the public consciousness, Childline thinks (and hopes) that perhaps victims feel more comfortable and less stigmatized in acknowledging that they have undergone a similar experience. However, they highlight the necessity of further research about sexual abuse by women—of developing a better understanding of its circumstances and characteristics—and of continuing to raise public awareness about female offenders.

I suppose one could interpret this post as anti-feminist, given that it construes a (very small) group of women as dangerous, morally suspect, detrimental to society, etc. What is a post about female pedophiles doing on a feminist blog? In my opinion, this story offers yet another extremely compelling reason to continue the fight against traditional gender-based stereotypes—which we already acknowledge to be harmful to women, but which (we are herein reminded) can be harmful to others as well.

http://equalwrites.org/2009/11/10/why-gendered-stereotypes-actually-help-female-pedophiles/

Female Sex Offenders - Raising Awareness

Published July 01, 2010 by John Edward

I am a mental health professional who seeks to raise awareness of female perpetrated sexual abuse, increase support and resources for those who are survivors.

When we think of "sex offenders," many people automatically think of male sex offenders, thus overlooking the frightening reality that seems unfathomable—some women can be and are sex offenders. This reality is beginning to receive more attention in the public eye, which is helping raise awareness. One of the questions frequently asked and debated is just how common or rare are female sex offenders?

What appears to be a simple and easy question to answer, the truth is that this question is very complex and must take into account a number of variables. Due to a lack of standardization in reporting, combined with inconsistencies in research methods and overall definitions of sexual abuse, trying to obtain an accurate number is extremely difficult.

Estimates vary based on the number and type of offense being looked at. For example consider two studies that looked at teachers who had sexually abused students. (1) The studies found that 42.4 in one study and 43 percent in the other study, were done by female offenders. A recent study done for the Bureau of Justice found that youth in juvenile correctional facilities who reported sexual assaults by staff members reported that 95% of those assaults were committed by female staff members (2). Another study which looked at over 17,000 survivors of childhood sexual abuse, found that 23% were abused by a female only, whereas another 22% had both male and female perpetrators (3).

The research shows that female sex offenders, once considered to be very rare, is more common than previously realized. Depending on the nature of the offense, the percentage can run quite high. The myth that most female offenders acted with a male partner has also been shattered through ongoing research.

Another question often asked and debated is, "why they do it?". Again, the answer is complex. The simplest answer is that women abuse for many different reasons, just as we see with male offenders.

When we as a society deny or minimize the fact that sexual abuse by women occurs we are also denying their victims the help and support they deserve. We also allow the offenders to avoid getting help for themselves so they can stop their offending.

Female sex offenders is an area demanding much more research and education as we are beginning to realize the depth and breadth of the problem. Public awareness is desperately needed, but awareness that avoids the sensationalism that often accompanies this topic.

1 - Office of the Under Secretary (2004). Educator Sexual Misconduct: A Synthesis of Existing Literature. Washington, DC. Available at http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/misconductreview/report.pdf
2 - Bureau of Justice Statistics, Special Report, Sexual Victimization in Juvenile Facilities Reported by Youth, 2008-2009, January 2010, NCJ 228416.
3 - http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/170018.pdf

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5532086/female_sex_offenders_raising_awareness.html?cat=5

Female Sexual Predators: Understanding Them to Protect Our Children and Youths (Forensic Psychology) [Hardcover] - Pre-order

Karen A. Duncan (Author)



Book Description

From teachers, mothers, coaches, and others who abuse positions of trust, authorities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada report up to 10 percent of sex crimes are perpetrated by females. What motivates these women to behave as they do? How do we safeguard children from their advances?

Product Description

In Female Sexual Predators: Understanding and Identifying Them to Protect Our Children and Youths, social worker and therapist Karen A. Duncan helps adults be proactive so children will not fall prey to this violation. Vignettes pulled from news headlines and interviews with female sexual predators Duncan has encountered in her own practice are used to help readers understand these crimes and the women who commit them, as well as the impact these crimes can have on victims.

The women profiled were in positions of authority at churches, schools, sports institutions, and the home. Victims explain how these women exploited their positions of trust, planned their crimes, groomed their victims, deceived adults into not detecting their behavior, and how they did not stop even when they recognized the danger and the harm to themselves and their victims. Duncan addresses the issue of maternal sexual abuse answering questions about mothers who willingly sexual abuse their own children and at times commit child sexual abuse with other adults, as well as women who sexually abuse girls. Four types of female sex offenders are presented within the emerging research on this topic, along with questions regarding assessment, treatment, and management of female sex offenders in the community. It also addresses the controversial issues of female pedophilia and female sexual deviance within the context of what we know about human sexuality.

Title Features:

• Interviews with victims of female sexual predators and with females convicted of sexual offenses
• The most recent research on female sexual predators and their increasing incidence in the United States and other nations
• Features international studies on the crimes females commit against children and youths, providing the reader with a crosscultural view of female sexual offenders

Product Details

* Reading level: Ages 9-12
* Hardcover: 228 pages
* Publisher: Praeger (August 31, 2010)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0313366292
* ISBN-13: 978-0313366291

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0313366292/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

http://www.greenwood.com/catalog/C36629.aspx

Female Sexual Offenders: Theory, Assessment and Treatment



Theresa A. Gannon (Editor), Franca Cortoni (Editor)
ISBN: 978-0-470-68344-6
Hardcover
224 pages
July 2010
£65.00 / €74.80

Book Description

Featuring a collection of essays by leading experts, Female Sexual Offenders: Theory, Assessment and Treatment is the first book to bring together current research, clinical assessment, and treatment techniques of female sexual offenders into one accessible volume.

* Describes the most recent research data regarding female sexual offenders, covering such issues as female-perpetrated sexual abuse prevalence and juvenile offenders
* Includes an assessment of the risk of recidivism, international treatment initiatives, and a discussion on the use of the polygraph with female sexual offenders
* Features practitioner-focused essays which evaluate current assessment strategies, treatment needs, effectiveness, and processes for female sexual offenders

Book Reviews

‘This is a landmark book on the explanation, assessment and treatment of female sex offenders, edited by two of the sexual offending field’s emerging stars. Drs Theresa Gannon and Franca Cortoni have gathered together many of the best researchers into female sexual offending and the various chapters analyse in depth the key issues confronting practitioners and researchers alike. In my view this is a landmark volume that will set the research and practice agenda for years to come. It is a first class piece of work.’
—Professor Tony Ward, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

‘The research and treatment literature regarding sexual offending has long focused on the misdeeds of men. However, as the scientific and popular focus on sexual offending has increased, so too has the realization that we have underestimated the extent of (and, accordingly, failed to appreciate the effects of) sexually inappropriate behaviour in women. In Female Sexual Offenders: Theory, Assessment and Treatment, Drs Theresa Gannon and Franca Cortoni present a collection of chapters by clinicians and researchers knowledgeable about sexual violence in women. This unique and timely volume quite nicely combines theoretical perspectives with suggestions for effective interventions, as well as some thoughts regarding future directions—all geared specifically to women. A long time coming…this book was well worth the wait.’
—Dr Robin J. Wilson, Clinical Director, Florida Civil Commitment Center, US

http://eu.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470683449,descCd-reviews.html

http://www.amazon.com/Female-Sexual-Offenders-Assessment-Treatment/dp/0470683430

Female sex offender to be released from prison

July 17, 2010

Beloit police are warning residents that a convicted (female) sex offender will be released from prison and moving to Beloit, Wisconsin on Wednesday.


DENISE D NEWMAN- Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Photo

Denise D. Newman, 45, will move into a residence at 412 1/2 Pleasant St. #1, according to police.

She is residing in this transitional living program through Attic Correctional Services and will be monitored on GPS.

Newman was convicted of first-degree sexual assault of a child and felony bail jumping on July 29, 1991.

She is not wanted by the police at this time, and the police are not warning the public to increase fear, according to a special bulletin notification released by Beloit Police Capt. William Tyler.

“Rather, it is our belief that an informed public is a safer public,” Tyler said.

The police are concerned, he said, because she has severe mental health needs and also because of her history that involves targeting preteens.

She inappropriately touched a 4-year-old boy on multiple occasions, and she sexually assaulted a 7-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy multiple times as well.

As part of Newman’s special supervision conditions, she is to have no unsupervised contact with minors and no contact with the victims.

She is not to visit taverns, bars or liquor stores, and she is not to consume alcohol or drugs.

Newman also must comply with standard sex offender rules, cooperate with electronic monitoring, maintain face-to-face contact with law enforcement, and comply with all requirements as a lifetime registrant of the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registration Program; http://offender.doc.state.wi.us/public/

Newman is a white woman who is 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs 240 pounds with brown hair and eyes. She wears glasses and has scars on her abdomen and lower right arm.

She will be on supervision until 2015, according to Tyler, who added that she was originally supposed to be discharged in Janesville but was not due to various circumstances.

http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2010/07/17/news/local_news/news1709.txt

Akron woman refused parole in child sex case

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

AKRON, Ohio -- A 42-year-old Akron woman was ordered to serve five more years of her prison sentence.


Stephanie Dye - Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction

Stephanie Dye has served 18 years for child rape. She was sentenced to eight to 25 years after pleading guilty to raping a 3-year-old girl in 1992.

The Ohio Parole Board made its decision after hearing testimony from Akron police and the Summit County prosecutor's office about the "horrendous nature of Dye's crime."

Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh said Dye also knew that her husband, Dennis Dye, was raping a 5-year-old boy and that she did nothing to prevent the abuse.

Dennis Dye was sentenced to life in prison.

Stephanie Dye goes before the parole board again in 2015.

She was also convicted in 1988 of having sex with a 14-year-old boy in Indiana and photographing it. Walsh said in a news release that the latest investigation began when the woman solicited sex from a 16-year-old female relative, who then told her parents.

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/07/akron_woman_refused_parole_in.html

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search

http://www.drc.ohio.gov/OffenderSearch/Search.aspx