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Links between juvenile sexually abusive behaviour and emerging severe personality disorder traits in childhood

  • Document type:
    Report
  • Author:
    Department of Health
  • Published date:
    2 November 2006
  • Primary audience:
    Professionals
  • Gateway reference:
    6686
  • Pages:
    90
  • Copyright holder:
    Crown

Juvenile sexual abusers (JSAs) are responsible for a significant minority of sexual offences against children and adults. A detailed study of 280 JSAs referred to a specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service was conducted in order to provide a detailed description of this population. Clinical, policy and research implications are discussed in this document.

This study was designed to investigate two questions.

  • Firstly, is the age at which sexually abusive behaviour emerges associated with distinct developmental trajectories?
  • Secondly, is it possible to identify a group of JSAs most at risk for developing emerging severe personality disorder (ESPD) traits?

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