The Synergistic Effects of Risk-Principle Adherence in the Supervision and Treatment of Individuals Who Have Sexually Offended.

Prior literature highlights the effectiveness of the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) risk principle when providing community supervision and treatment to general justice-involved individuals and special populations such as individuals convicted of a sexual offense. Individuals deemed high-risk, per risk assessment, should receive the most intensive levels of community supervision and treatment, while individuals classified as low risk should receive the lowest intensity. Research in support for the risk principle finds adherence decreased recidivism rates and increased probation compliance. The current study assesses the effects of adhering (or not) to the risk principle in supervision levels and treatment dosage on the compliance of individuals on probation for a sexual offense (N = 133). Overall, results support risk principle adherence for individuals, with increasing adherence levels associated with significantly more compliance, and non-adherence resulting in adverse outcomes. Implications for policy and practice in the supervision and treatment of individuals with a sexual offense are discussed.

Acceptance of a Web-Based Intervention in Individuals Who Committed Sexual Offenses Against Children: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Individuals who have committed sexual offenses against children often have difficulties finding treatment, despite its potential effectiveness. Although the development of web-based interventions could enhance therapeutic supply, up to now the acceptance thereof among this target group is unknown. OBJECTIVE: For the first time, this study assesses the acceptance of a web-based intervention among individuals who committed sexual offenses against children and analyzes variables that predict acceptance. Following the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), it is assumed that acceptance of web-based interventions in individuals who have committed sexual offenses against children follows the same mechanisms as for individuals in general psychiatry. METHODS: This cross-sectional study is based on the data from an ongoing clinical trial (@myTabu) evaluating the effectiveness of a web-based intervention in individuals who committed sexual offenses against children (N=113). Acceptance level was measured using a questionnaire based on the UTAUT and modified for the target group. Furthermore, predictors of acceptance from the UTAUT (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence [SI]), attitudes toward web-based interventions, and internet anxiety were assessed at baseline. RESULTS: Most participants (61.1%, 69/113), reported high acceptance, while 36.3% (41/113) of them indicated moderate acceptance, and 2.7% (3/113) of them expressed low acceptance. In a linear regression model, the predictors explained 41.2% of the variance (F11,101=9.055; P=.01). Attitudes toward web-based interventions (B=0.398, 95% CI 0.16-0.64; P=.001) and SI (B=0.183, 95% CI 0.03-0.38; P=.04) significantly predicted acceptance. Post hoc explorative analysis showed that the participants' belief that people close to them would recommend the use of a web-based intervention is a predictor of acceptance. In contrast, the belief that their community supervisor would recommend the use thereof was not predictive in this respect. CONCLUSIONS: For the participants of this study, we identified high acceptance of web-based interventions for the majority of participants. SI and the participants' attitudes toward web-based interventions were important in predicting acceptance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trial Registration (DRKS, Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien) DRKS 00021256; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00021256.

Moderators of Sexual Recidivism as Indicator of Treatment Effectiveness in Persons With Sexual Offense Histories: An Updated Meta-analysis.

The present meta-analysis is an update of the meta-analysis by Schmucker and Lösel [Campbell Syst. Rev. 2017; 13: 1-75], which synthesized evidence on sexual recidivism as an indicator of treatment effectiveness in persons with sexual offense histories. The updated meta-analysis includes 37 samples comprising a total of 30,394 individuals with sexual offense histories, which is nearly three times the sample size reported by Schmucker and Lösel (2017: 28 samples, N = 9781). In line with Schmucker and Lösel (2017), the mean treatment effect was small with an odds ratio of 1.54 [95% CI 1.22, 1.95] (p < .001). A moderator analysis suggested three predictors of importance, i.e., risk level, treatment specialization, and author confounding. Greater treatment effectiveness was suggested in high- and medium-compared to low-risk individuals and in specialized compared to non-specialized treatments. Authors affiliated with treatment programs reported larger effectiveness than independent authors. These findings were overall in line with Schmucker and Lösel (2017), though the effects of risk level and treatment specialization were stronger in the current meta-analysis. The findings of the updated meta-analysis reinforce the evidence for the first and second principle of the Risk-Need-Responsivity model. The results may support researchers and decision-makers in interpreting the current evidence on sexual recidivism as an indicator of treatment effectiveness, and, based on that, implement and carry out informative, methodologically sound evaluations of ongoing treatment programs in persons with sexual offense histories.

Advancing Research: An Examination of Differences in Characteristics of Sexual and Non-Sexual Offense Recidivism Using a 10-Year Follow-Up.

In this article, we examine our current understanding of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the intersection of mental health challenges and substance use on sexual and non-sexual recidivism. This study uses administrative data and comprehensive case files of a sample of 626 individuals who were incarcerated for a sexual offense. Each case was standardized to a 10-year post-release follow-up time for criminal history review. Findings reveal that ACEs, mental health challenges, and substance use disorder, along with a variety of other factors, affect the pathway to re-offending differently. Interestingly, despite the recent legislative push to utilize one standardized predictor of risk, individuals who commit sexual offenses (ICSOs) had very different re-offending patterns based on historic life events. This research will inform the current legislative debate by providing relevant empirical data on a large sample of ICSOs followed for a substantial period of time.

The Risk, Need, and Responsivity Relevance of Working Alliance in a Sexual Offense Treatment Program: Its Intersection With Psychopathy, Diversity, and Treatment Change.

The current study examined the self-reported working alliance of men attending a high intensity sexual offense treatment program and its associations with psychopathy, sexual violence risk, treatment change, and recidivism, in a Canadian sample of 317 incarcerated men followed up an average of approximately 10 years post release. Working Alliance Inventory (WAI; Horvath & Greenberg, 1989) self-reported total, Task, Bond, and Goal scores were positively correlated with treatment related changes in risk, and inversely associated with Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R; Hare, 1991; Wang & Hare, 2003) scores. The Affective facet of the PCL-R, representing the callous-unemotional features of the syndrome, uniquely predicted lower Bond and Goal scores controlling for the other facets. Cox regression survival analyses demonstrated that sexual violence risk predicted increased sexual recidivism while change predicted decreased sexual recidivism controlling for PCL-R total score; however, WAI scores (particularly the Goal component) were also unexpectedly associated with increased sexual recidivism. For violent recidivism, psychopathy, risk, and change incremented the prediction of general violence, while the WAI was not significantly associated with this outcome. A set of parallel analyses, stratified by Indigenous ethnocultural heritage, demonstrated some continuity, but also potential areas of difference, in substantive findings. Risk, need, responsivity implications of the working alliance for the treatment of high psychopathy correctional clientele, and how this may intersect with Indigenous heritage, are discussed.

Risky Sexual Behavior, Paraphilic Interest, and Sexual Offending: The Study of a Community Sample of Young Adults in Hong Kong.

Limited information is available on the prevalence and nature of sexual offending in Hong Kong. This cross-sectional study seeks to explore the role of risky sexual behavior (RSB) and paraphilic interests in self-reported sexual offending behavior (i.e., nonpenetrative-only, penetrative-only, and nonpenetrative-plus-penetrative sexual assault) in a community sample of young adults in Hong Kong. Using a large sample (N = 1885) of university students, the lifetime prevalence of self-reported sexual offending was 18% (n = 342; 23% males (n = 166), 15% females (n = 176)). Based on the study subsample of 342 participants who self-reported sexual offending (aged 18-35), the findings indicated that males reported significantly higher levels of general, penetrative-only, nonpenetrative-plus-penetrative sexual assault; and paraphilic interest in voyeurism, frotteurism, biastophilia, scatophilia, and hebephilia than females; while females reported a significantly higher level of transvestic fetishism than males. No significant difference was found in RSB between males and females. Logistic regressions found that the participants who possessed a higher level of RSB, particularly penetrative behaviors, and paraphilic interest in voyeurism and zoophilia were less likely to engage in a nonpenetrative-only sexual offense. Conversely, the participants who possessed higher levels of RSB, especially penetrative behaviors, and paraphilic interest in exhibitionism and zoophilia, were more likely to engage in nonpenetrative-plus-penetrative sexual assault. The implications for practice in areas such as public education and offender rehabilitation are discussed.

Corrigendum: Mandated or voluntary treatment of men who committed child sexual abuse: Is there a difference?

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.708210.].

Early Treatment Change in Perpetrators of Sexual Versus Non-Sexual Violence.

The purpose of this study is to assess treatment change at both a group and individual level in a sample of 81 Dutch male patients who received mandated care for either violent (non-sexual) behavior or sexual violent behavior. Psychiatric nurses rated patients' social skills, insight, hostility, physical violence with the BEST-Index every 6 months over the course of 2 years after patients were admitted to hospital. Mixed analysis of covariances and the reliable change index indicated that patients, irrespective of offense type, showed treatment change over time with exception of physical violence. This study shows that general treatment may be useful in the first 18 month for risk factors common to different types of offenses, but that specialized treatment is needed to establish further change.

Current Perspectives on Pornography Use by Individuals Convicted of a Sexual Offense.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines the literature on the impact of pornography use by individuals convicted of sexual offenses; specifically, it highlights relevant research regarding the effect pornography use has on sexual offense recidivism and explores the implications for treatment and supervision. RECENT FINDINGS: The current literature suggests that the use of pornography, by itself, does not consistently increase risk for sexual recidivism. Research suggests that pornography use may increase risk for sexual recidivism among adult males who have been assessed as high-risk, while the same cannot be said for low-risk adult males. Pornography may reinforce attitudes supportive of sexual aggression, such as hostility and sexual preoccupation, both variables that have been shown to relate to further acts of sexual offending. Pornography use is more predictive of risk when matched to the type of offense. The extent to which pornography impacts the conceptualization of risk (and therefore treatment and supervision plans) depends on several factors such as the type of pornographic material viewed, the congruence of that material with the individual's offending history, and the expectations regarding the use of pornography within the treatment/supervision context.

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Aggression, Empathy, and Psychopathology in Adult Males Accused of Rape.

Background: Investigating the underlying psychosocial factors is a cornerstone of planning need-based intervention for adult males accused of rape. Unresolved debates on its etiology, mediation, or interaction among causal psychosocial variables fuel curiosity to scrutinize it further. Hence, we studied potential influence of and relation between adverse childhood experiences, aggression, empathy, and psychopathology in adult males accused of rape in India and investigated the risk factors for the same. Methods: With a correlational research design, 40 literate and consenting adult males medically confirmed for rape were recruited using convenient sampling. The assessment was done on Adverse Childhood Experiences, Aggression Questionnaire, Symptom Checklist-90, and Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's product-moment correlation, and stepwise linear regression analysis were calculated. Results: Approximately 75% of the participants experienced at least one category of Adverse Childhood Experiences. Scores above cut-off points were obtained on anger, hostility, fantasy, and personal distress. Significant correlations were obtained between adverse childhood experiences and psychopathology; between hostility and psychopathology, perspective taking, and personal distress; and in case of indirect aggression, with perspective taking and empathetic concerns. Regression analysis revealed that an increase in Symptom Checklist-90 global scores increases hostility and that lower personal distress predicts higher scores on hostility on Aggression Questionnaire. Conclusions: Adverse childhood experiences, aggression, and psychopathology play a critical role and, therefore, should be included as core components of the prevention of rape or relapse prevention programs at the community level.

Lay People´s Myths Regarding Pedophilia and Child Sexual Abuse: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: The term "paedophilia erotica" was first coined in 1886 by the psychiatrist Krafft-Ebing and it was considered a "psycho-sexual perversion." It was at the beginning of the twentieth century that the term "pedophilia" was adopted and it started to appear in medical dictionaries. Sexual abuse is legally defined as the engagement in sexual contact with a person below a specified age or who is incapable of giving consent. Both, pedophilia and child sexual abuse (CSA) are worldwide phenomena requiring deep scientific knowledge in order to improve prevention strategies. Individuals' misconceptions of pedophilia and CSA may legitimize sexual violence, which can influence prevention strategies and policies. OBJECTIVES: This review aimed to summarize existing research to help answer the question: "What are laypeople´s myths regarding pedophilia and CSA?" METHODS: This systematic review followed the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to identify as many relevant articles as possible. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCOhost databases for articles published before January 2022. Sixty-one articles were included in the current review. RESULTS: Overall, findings revealed a significant number of myths regarding pedophilia and CSA, organized into the following categories: (i) blame diffusion, (ii) denial of abusiveness, (iii) restrictive stereotypes, (iv) victim age and consequences, (v) social stigma, (vi) punitive attitudes, and (vii) treatment. CONCLUSION: Findings suggested that laypeople's perceptions should be taken into account when devising prevention policies. Additionally, perceptions should also be a target of prevention since there is evidence of social stigma and prejudice involving individuals with pedophilia. Such phenomena can contribute to social, emotional, and cognitive problems, among said individuals as well as causing these individuals to exhibit a higher risk for abusive behavior and less help-seeking. Glina F, Barroso R, Cardoso D, et al. Lay People´s Myths Regarding Pedophilia and Child Sexual Abuse: A Systematic Review. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:596-619.

Factors associated with repeat sexual offending among U.S. military veterans compared to civilians.

Although veterans have lower incarceration rates than civilians, large national surveys find higher rates of incarceration for sexual offenses among veterans compared to non-veterans. However, little is known about the factors associated with repeat sexual offending among veterans. This study examines characteristics of veterans who committed sexual offenses and how they differ from civilians with those offenses. It also examined if the factors that differ between veterans and civilians who have a history of repeat sexual offenses and those who do not. Based on previous research related to risk in veterans, we expected there may be veteran-specific risk factors. This study used the Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities. Predictors were identified through a review of the literature regarding sexual offense risk assessment and justice-involved veterans. Risk factors were examined using logistic regression analysis. In a multivariate logistic regression, there were significant interactions between veteran status and age, race, and education in the prediction of repeat offense status. Prior incarceration for a non-sexual offense was also associated with repeat offense status. Findings suggests that civilian risk factors are relevant to veteran risk assessment, an important finding that can help inform intervention and risk management with veterans.

Risk Factors for Sexual Offenses Committed by Men With or Without a Low IQ: An Exploratory Study.

Although risk factors associated with offending and recidivism are relatively well-established for mainstream sexual offenses, much less is known about men with a low IQ who have sexually offended (MIQSO), let alone those with forensic involvement. In this exploratory study, 137 convicted for the commission of at least one sexual offense and found not criminally responsible because a mental disorder were recruited in a maximum-security hospital. They were all assessed with the SORAG (static risk factors) and the RSVP (dynamic risk factors). Compared with MIQSO (N = 76), men with an average or higher IQ who have sexually offended (MSO, N = 61) obtained significantly higher scores on static factors related with general delinquency (histories of alcohol abuse, non-violent criminality, violent criminality, and sexual offense) and dynamic factors related with sexual delinquency, paraphilia, and recidivism (chronicity, psychological coercion, escalation, sexual deviance, and substance abuse). In contrast, MIQSO obtained significantly higher scores on major mental illness, problems with planning and problems with self-awareness. Logistic regressions revealed that both the SORAG and RSVP were useful to predict group membership. It is concluded that risk factors related with general and sexual delinquency better describe offenses committed by MSO, whereas risk factors related with mental disorder, lack of insight and contextual impulsivity better describe offenses committed by MIQSO.

Frequency of Injuries to Women after Sexual Offense - Relevance of a Gynecology Examination.

Introduction Up to a third of women worldwide report having experienced an act of sexual violence during their lifetime. The emergency gynecology department is often the first port of call for affected individuals. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the importance of gynecology examinations for women after a sexual offense and to evaluate the pattern of injuries sustained. Methods This study is a retrospective single center analysis of the gynecology and forensic examination reports of all women examined for a suspected sexual offense in the central emergency department of a university hospital between 2013 and 2017 (n = 692). We evaluated genital and extragenital injury patterns, age, offender profile, time of offense, and substance use, as well as the administration of post-coital contraception and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. Results The affected individuals had a mean age of 26 (12 - 91 years). Almost 75% of affected individuals presented within 24 hours of the reported sexual offense. Extragenital injuries were detected in 78.6% of patients and genital injuries in 28.5%. Overall, 20.1% of the women reported complete memory loss and 18.7% partial memory loss of the actual event. Risk factors for memory lapse were the consumption of alcohol and/or the (possibly non-consensual) administration of other substances acting on the central nervous system. A history of alcohol consumption by the victim (hazard ratio [HR] 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21 - 3.12, p = 0.006) and younger victims aged between 25 - 49 years (HR 1.75; 95% CI 1.07 - 2.85, p = 0.025) were associated with the occurrence of extragenital injuries. However, if the perpetrator was someone who was known to the affected individual, fewer extragenital injuries were sustained (HR 0.60; 95% CI 0.36 - 0.99, p = 0.046). Reports of genital injuries, associated with an older age of affected individuals and indications of anal penetration, resulted in more frequent administration of post-exposure prophylaxis (29.1% vs. 19.5%, p < 0.012) and hepatitis B (active) vaccination (40% vs. 28.5%, p < 0.028). Conclusion Emergency gynecology examinations form a fundamental component of the medical care and the assessment of affected women after a sexual offense, since almost a third of victims sustain injuries to the genital region. In addition to a detailed complete physical examination and expert forensic documentation of physical and genital injuries, victims should also be offered psychological support which is easy for them to access.

Lay People´s Myths Regarding Pedophilia and Child Sexual Abuse: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: The term "paedophilia erotica" was first coined in 1886 by the psychiatrist Krafft-Ebing and it was considered a "psycho-sexual perversion." It was at the beginning of the twentieth century that the term "pedophilia" was adopted and it started to appear in medical dictionaries. Sexual abuse is legally defined as the engagement in sexual contact with a person below a specified age or who is incapable of giving consent. Both, pedophilia and child sexual abuse (CSA) are worldwide phenomena requiring deep scientific knowledge in order to improve prevention strategies. Individuals' misconceptions of pedophilia and CSA may legitimize sexual violence, which can influence prevention strategies and policies. OBJECTIVES: This review aimed to summarize existing research to help answer the question: "What are laypeople´s myths regarding pedophilia and CSA?" METHODS: This systematic review followed the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to identify as many relevant articles as possible. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCOhost databases for articles published before January 2022. Sixty-one articles were included in the current review. RESULTS: Overall, findings revealed a significant number of myths regarding pedophilia and CSA, organized into the following categories: (i) blame diffusion, (ii) denial of abusiveness, (iii) restrictive stereotypes, (iv) victim age and consequences, (v) social stigma, (vi) punitive attitudes, and (vii) treatment. CONCLUSION: Findings suggested that laypeople's perceptions should be taken into account when devising prevention policies. Additionally, perceptions should also be a target of prevention since there is evidence of social stigma and prejudice involving individuals with pedophilia. Such phenomena can contribute to social, emotional, and cognitive problems, among said individuals as well as causing these individuals to exhibit a higher risk for abusive behavior and less help-seeking.

The Experience of Working With Individuals Who Sexually Offend.

Providing treatment to those who have committed sexual offenses can be difficult and challenging work. Older studies have suggested that service providers may experience changes in mood, symptoms of trauma, and countertransference reactions due to their work. Recent research has found that effective coping and self-care strategies may mitigate these negative outcomes. Given the relative dearth of recent empirical studies, we assessed the prevalence of self-reported mood, trauma symptoms, and countertransference reactions and their relation to coping styles and self-care practices in a sample of 32 male and 52 female therapists who provided treatment to individuals convicted of sexual offenses. As expected, we found minimal levels of clinically significant depressive (4%) and trauma symptoms (9%). Some countertransference reactions to clients were reported, including intense anger, retributive fantasies, sexual attraction, and arousal. A problem-solving coping style was associated with higher levels of psychological well-being, while avoidant coping was related to increased depressive and trauma symptoms. Approximately 10% of therapists with an abuse history reported re-experiencing their own victimization. The majority of therapists reported engaging in self-care practices. The findings are discussed as they pertain to those who provide services to individuals convicted of sexual offenses.

Reported Sexual-offense Incidents in the United States: Arrest Disparities between Women and Men.

This study examined the effect of an offender's sex (male/female) on whether sexual-offense incidents reported to law enforcement culminated in an arrest. Two hypotheses, chivalry and evil woman, are relied upon and suggest that the probability of arrest differs for women and men, yet in differing directions. The chivalry hypothesis suggests women are treated more leniently than men and, therefore, less likely to be arrested. The evil woman hypothesis, however, suggests the opposite: Women are treated more harshly than men and, therefore, more likely to be arrested. Seven years of National Incident-based Reporting System [NIBRS] data were relied upon (National Archive of Criminal Justice Data, 2010-2016, National Incident-based Reporting System: Extract Files); all of the reported sexual-offense incidents committed by women were included, along with a matched sample of reported sexual-offense incidents committed by men, culminating in a sample of 22,744. Overall, women were 42% significantly less likely than men to be arrested when controlling for other known offense, offender, and victim characteristics. The odds for women to be arrested increased, however, when specific offender demographics, offense characteristics, and victim characteristics were taken into account. The implications of these findings are discussed in regard to their application of the chivalry and evil woman hypotheses.

The Prevalence of Sexual Interest in Children and Sexually Harmful Behavior Self-Reported by Men Recruited Through an Online Crowdsourcing Platform.

This study examined the feasibility of using crowdsourcing to recruit men who self-report sexual interest in children or sexually problematic behavior involving children. Crowdsourcing refers to the use of the internet to reach a large number of people to complete a specific task. A nonrepresentative sample of men (N = 997) participated in a brief self-report survey examining age of attraction, sexual interest in children, proclivity toward sexual offenses involving children, and history of sexual offending. Almost a quarter of the sample (23.1%) indicated some degree of sexual interest in children, propensity to sexually offend against children, and/or actual offending behavior. We present our data broken down by type of interest or behavior and examine the frequency of these outcomes. Findings are likely to be of value to those considering the viability of crowdsourcing to overcome the limitations or challenges of face-to-face research on stigmatizing interests and behaviors. Findings also contribute to estimating prevalence of self-reported sexual interest in children, and sexual offending behavior toward children, across different countries.

Violências familiar e social na vida do adulto autor de violência sexual / Family and social violence in the life of adult sexual offender

O texto tem como objetivo identificar as violências sofridas, no âmbito familiar e social, por homens adultos que cometeram violência sexual contra crianças e adolescentes, considerando suas trajetórias de vida. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa do tipo documental realizada em prontuários de uma unidade de saúde pública que atende esta clientela. Foram analisados 136 prontuários, sendo encontrados cinco tipos de violências: trabalho infantil, negligência, violência física, psicológica e sexual. A análise buscou contemplar as implicações entre o sofrimento vivido, as violências sofridas e as violências praticadas. A compreensão e a significação das vitimizações sofridas ao longo da vida desses adultos são fundamentais para o entendimento das violências cometidas, bem como de sua própria dinâmica ofensiva. A violência sexual é uma questão complexa, sendo considerada pertencente a um circuito que necessita ser interrompido.

The purpose of this text is to identify violence suffered, in the family and social contexts, by adult men that committed sexual violence against children and adolescents, considering their life trajectories. It is a qualitative and documentary research in the participants’ records of a public health unit that treats this population. It was analyzed 136 medical records and five types of violence were found: child labor, neglect, physical, psychological and sexual. The analysis contemplated the implications between the suffering experienced, the violence suffered and the violence practiced. The understanding and the significance of the victimizations suffered throughout the lives of these adults are fundamental for understanding the violence committed, as well as their own offensive dynamics. Sexual violence is a complex issue that belongs to a circuit that needs to be interrupted.

Ofensa sexual cometida por adolescentes/jovens adultos / Sexual offense committed by adolescents/young adults

RESUMO O objetivo deste artigo é discutir a ofensa sexual cometida por adolescentes/jovens adultos e as implicações sociais e jurídicas decorrentes. A adolescência é um período em que ocorrem mudanças significativas e a ofensa sexual é uma questão de saúde pública, complexa e multideterminada. Cometer ofensa sexual na faixa etária entre 16-21 anos traz a necessidade de compreensão contextualizada, pois envolve dimensões jurídicas diferenciadas. Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental com os prontuários de cinco adolescentes atendidos em uma instituição de saúde pública. Os dados foram analisados a partir de categorias que conectam as vitimizações a aspectos sociofamiliares e implicações jurídicas. Os resultados apresentaram a polivitimização na história de vida e um ponto limite de virem a lidar com conjunto de regras de criminalização ou de proteção, de enfrentarem contextos jurídicos com legislações diferentes, quando ainda pertencem ao mesmo contexto familiar e à mesma comunidade. A responsabilização não pode ser a única resposta.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to discuss the sexual offense committed by adolescents/young adults and social and legal implications. Adolescence is a period that significant changes occur and sexual offense is a complex and multi-determined public health issue. Committing sexual offense between 16-21 years old brings the need for contextualized understanding because it involves different legal dimensions. This is a documental research with the records of five adolescents treated at a public health institution. The data were analyzed with categories that connect victimization to social and family aspects and legal implications. The results presented polyvictimization in life history and a limiting point of coming to deal with a set of rules of criminalization or protection, of facing legal contexts with different laws, when they still belong to the same family context and the same community. Criminal liability cannot be the only answer.