The Link between Child Sexual Abuse and Arrest: Is Attending College a Protective Factor?

• In Event: Effects of the lifestyle of victims and offenders

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is linked to several negative mental health and behavioral outcomes (Boden, Horwood, & Fergusson, 2007; Paolucci, Genuis, & Violato, 2001; Putnam, 2003), including criminal behavior and arrest (Siegal & Williams, 2003; Windom & Ames, 1994). The specific mechanisms through which CSA leads to involvement in crime and criminal justice have not been fully explored. Given that research indicates that level of educational attainment is important in lowering the risk of criminal behavior and arrest (Lochner, 1999; Reynolds, Temple, Roberston, & Mann, 2001), it is possible that level of educational attainment may be an important mediator in the relationship between CSA and arrest. Using multivariate mediation analyses, the current study examines this relationship using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Policy implications as well as how findings contribute to life-course criminology are discussed.

Authors

• Andia Azimi, Georgia State University

• Leah E. Daigle, Georgia State University