Criminal trajectories of adult-onset sex offenders

Abstract

Previous research has suggested that a subset of adult-onset sexual offenders (AOSOs) may be at an increased risk for re-offending against children. Despite this evidence, research on the trajectories of AOSOs is limited. The present study examines the offending trajectories of 520 AOSOs who were assessed at an out-patient mental health facility between 1995 and 2006. Four groups were identified in the sample using group-based trajectory modeling and were compared on the presence of three indicators of a sexual interest in children, victim characteristics, and a variety of additional criminal career parameters. A group with an escalating pattern of offending with onset in early adulthood was found to be associated with all three indicators of a sexual interest in children, and a high frequency of sexual offending. The three additional groups, as well as implications for policy, treatment, and future research are discussed.