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Comparing child and adult sexual homicides in Australia and New Zealand: A retrospective study.
- Source :
-
Behavioral sciences & the law [Behav Sci Law] 2024 Jul-Aug; Vol. 42 (4), pp. 435-460. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 May 27. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- The present study examined distinctions between child (n = 30) and adult (n = 212) sexual homicide offenders (SHOs) in Australia and New Zealand, contributing to the limited international research on the subject. Data, primarily sourced from judges' sentencing comments on AustLII and New Zealand Legal Information Institute, revealed significant differences. Child SHOs displayed elevated rates of pedophilia, sexual deviance, and adverse childhood experiences, including sexual abuse. They were more likely to be married, cohabitate, and target familial victims. Their crimes were more often committed during daylight and outdoors, involving tactics such as victim conning, restraints, strangulation, and hiding victim's bodies. No significant group differences emerged regarding offenders' psychopathy or sexual sadism scores. Results were interpreted in line with child SHOs' deviant sexual preferences and the routine activity theory. The study, as the first investigating child sexual homicides in Australia and New Zealand, sets the foundation for an evidence-based approach to policy and practice.<br /> (© 2024 The Author(s). Behavioral Sciences & The Law published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
- Subjects :
- Humans
New Zealand
Adult
Male
Australia
Child
Retrospective Studies
Female
Middle Aged
Adolescent
Sex Offenses statistics & numerical data
Sex Offenses psychology
Young Adult
Pedophilia psychology
Crime Victims statistics & numerical data
Child Abuse, Sexual statistics & numerical data
Homicide statistics & numerical data
Criminals psychology
Criminals statistics & numerical data
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1099-0798
- Volume :
- 42
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Behavioral sciences & the law
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 38801740
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1002/bsl.2665