Sexual Aggression

In recent years society has witnessed more and more reports of violence and abuse related to sexual aggression. The increase of sexually aggressive behavior among adolescent offenders is of particular concern and consideration.

Sexual Aggression explores this phenomenon—from the recognition of the development of sexual behavior problems in childhood to the assessment and treatment of both male and female adolescent and adult sex offenders. The book is divided into two sections. The first section presents an overview of the problem of sexual aggression and the psychological consequences of such acts, covering important topics such as childhood sexual development and forms of non-normative behavior within the family. The issue of sexual harassment of children is examined as well as the short-term and long-term consequences of sexual abuse and victimization. Cultural and ethnic influences are explored as they relate to the response to abuse by the child and family.

The second section assesses and evaluates sexually aggressive behavior and offers treatment options. Both male and female offenders are described, as are the determinants of adolescent sexual aggression. The final chapters address the complex evaluation of child sex offenders and the therapeutic and pharmacological strategies for treatment.

A thorough yet accessible approach to the phenomenology and assessment of sexually aggressive behavior, Sexual Aggression is especially relevant to psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers who treat sexually aggressive adolescents and adults—as well as the victims of sexual aggression.

Jon A. Shaw, M.D., is Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics and Director of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Medical Center in Miami, Florida.