Examining Gender-Specific and Gender-Neutral Risk Factors in Women Who Sexually Offend

Research on justice-involved women has provided evidence for the importance of using gender-specific information in the assessment, treatment, and understanding of criminal pathways and risk of recidivism in women who have committed offenses. Although research on women who have sexually offended sug...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Criminal justice and behavior 2019-04, Vol.46 (4), p.511-527
Main Authors: Marshall, Ethan A., Miller, Holly A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Gender
Gender differences
Mental disorders
Recidivism
Risk assessment
Risk factors
Sex offenders
Victimization
Women
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Summary:Research on justice-involved women has provided evidence for the importance of using gender-specific information in the assessment, treatment, and understanding of criminal pathways and risk of recidivism in women who have committed offenses. Although research on women who have sexually offended suggests there are differences between men and women who sexually offend, no studies have compared gender-specific and gender-neutral factors to predict recidivism with this group. The current study provided an examination of gender-specific and gender-neutral recidivism risk factors in a sample of 225 women who had sexually offended and were subsequently released from custody with an average follow-up time of about 5 years. Results of the study indicate gender-specific factors, such as mental illness symptoms and victimization history, are demonstrative of risk of reoffense in women who sexually offend. These findings provide implications for future research regarding risk assessment and more effective application of treatment for this understudied population.
ISSN:0093-8548
1552-3594
DOI:10.1177/0093854818796872