Women Who Sexually Abuse Children: From Research to Clinical Practice (Wiley Series in Child Care & Protection)

This work is based on in-depth research with more than fifty women who have sexually abused children and therapy that has been carried out with several such women. It describes many aspects of their lives: childhood; own abuse histories; adult relationships with partners, peers and children; social stresses; support networks; and coping strategies. The women's attitudes, beliefs and opinions are reflected throughout and the research is illustrated with relevant case material. Based on this research, an integrated theoretical model is proposed as to the motivations involved when women sexually abuse children. Therapists working in a variety of settings can use the strategies presented in the book to assess a woman's risk of sexually abusing children, and to develop a therapeutic relationship that has been found to be effective in prior interventions. The book also describes the results of research into women involved in ritual abuse.