Adverse Childhood Experiences in the Lives of Male Sex Offenders: Implications for Trauma-Informed Care

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.                   

Abstract in Sexual Abuse: Adverse Childhood Experiences in the Lives of Male Sex Offenders: Implications for Trauma-Informed Care

[Published online before print, May 28, 2014. Author contact: Jill Levenson, Ph.D., LCSW, Associate Professor, Barry University School of Social Work, 11300 NE, 2nd Ave, Miami Shores, FL 33161 USA. Email: levenson dot jill at bellsouth dot net