A comparison of “only-once” and repeat male and female sex offence suspects

Authors: Spence, R., Crivatu, I.M., Davies, K. and Horvath, M.A.H.

Journal: Journal of Sexual Aggression

eISSN: 1742-6545

ISSN: 1355-2600

DOI: 10.1080/13552600.2025.2559946

Abstract:

Understanding differences between male and female sex offence suspects is vital for developing appropriate prevention, assessment, and treatment guidance. Previous comparisons have used clinical, prison, or arrest data, or small samples. Larger studies have been based in the United States. This study analysed a large sample of sex offences recorded by three police forces in England and Wales to compare characteristics of male/female sex offence suspects reported once–“only-once suspects” –, or multiple times–“repeat suspects”. Suspects were more likely to be male and a greater proportion of repeat suspects were male. However, when separated into only-once versus repeats, male/female suspects did not significantly differ in either their number of sex offence reports, or their number of victims. Nonetheless, females were significantly less likely to be charged, suggesting authorities are less confident in taking forward these cases. Implications of findings and how male/female sex offence suspects are policed are discussed. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT Repeat male and female sex offence suspects were associated with the same number of victims and crimes. However, female suspectswere charged to a lesser extent suggesting there is a gap in sex offender punishment and more needs to be done to increase professional awareness of the risks posed by females who sexually offend.

Source: Scopus