This study compares the psychiatric, neurological, and psychoeducational
status of sexually assaultive male juveniles and other violent juveniles.
The authors found that juvenile sexual assaulters suffered from
neuropsychiatric problems similar to those of other violent juveniles, had
committed violent acts other than sexual assault, and had had seriously
aberrant behavior since early childhood. The findings contradict prevailing
assumptions that sexual assaults by juveniles are rare occurrences and that
juvenile sex offenders have low rates of recidivism. Theoretical and
treatment implications are discussed.Abstract Teaser