Exploring Female Sexual Offender Criminal Careers

• In Event: Female Sex Offenders: Characteristics, Typologies, and Pathways

Abstract

Our theoretical knowledge of female sexual offenders is far from robust. However recent studies by Wijkman, Bijleveld, & Hendriks (2011) has offered insight on the criminal sexual careers of female sexual offenders. This research extends the career paths research of Wijkman et al. with an analysis of 250 female sexual offenders. The offenders were classified in Wijkman et al.’s categories of once-only offenders generalists and specialists. Analysis includes demographic, victimology, recidivism, and personality differences of the female sexual offenders. Support was found for differences in the career paths as defined by Wijkman et al.

Authors

• Bridget Williamson, Sam Houston State University

• Holly Miller, Sam Houston State University