An Examination of Risk Variables in Solo Offending and Co-Offending Female Sexual Offenders

• In Event: Female Sexual Offending: Risk Variables and Victim Characteristics, Co-Offending and (Sexual) Recidivism

Abstract

Sexual crimes are typically thought of as a male-dominated crime, but more research has begun to examine female perpetrated sexual crimes. Most research on female sexual offenders has focused on offender and victim characteristics, as well as the development of typologies, which has done little to inform risk assessment. Previous research indicates that significant differences exist between two types of female sexual offenders, solo offenders (offenders who offend alone) and co-offenders (offenders who offend with another individual). While these findings do warrant further research, many of the results are limited due to small sample sizes. More research must be done using larger sample sizes in order to understand the differences in risk assessment between solo and co-offenders. The current study will examine risk variables, such as previous arrests and risk assessment scores, in a sample of 226 solo and co-offending female sex offenders. The results of this study will identify whether the risk variables can significantly predict general recidivism, violent recidivism, and sexual recidivism in the sample of solo and co-offending female sexual offenders. The implications of the findings for this study will help inform risk assessment for female sexual offenders.

Authors

• Ethan Marshall, Sam Houston State University

• Holly Miller, Sam Houston State University