Intrafamilial Sexual Coercion and the Development of Sexual Behavior of Children

• In Event: The Impact of Early Exposure to Violence and Adversities on Youth Development and Offending

Abstract

Very little is understood about the developmental antecedents of sexual behaviour, particularly prior to adolescence. The current study examined the impact of different forms of intimate partner violence on children’s sexual development. The data for the current study are based on an on-going prospective longitudinal cohort study of 338 families in Canada. Intimate partner violence was measured using a modified version of the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS), and measures of child sexual development were based on the Child Sexual Behaviour Inventory (CSBI). Using regression analyses, the results indicate that intrafamilial sexual coercion has a significant impact on the nature and variety of sexual behaviours exhibited among 3-5 year old children. The results further suggest early sexual development may occur along at least two dimensions that are differentially impacted by family violence.

Authors

• Jesse Cale, University of New South Wales

• Patrick Lussier, Laval University