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Community reactions to young people who have sexually abused and their families: a Shotgun blast, not a rifle shot

Hackett, S.; Masson, H.; Balfe, M.; Phillips, J.

Authors

H. Masson

M. Balfe

J. Phillips



Abstract

Data on 117 young sexual abusers were examined to investigate the nature of community responses to young people's abusive behaviour. A wide range of community responses were found, with stigmatisation, social isolation and collateral damage being common. A contagion effect was noted, with community responses extending over time and across contexts. Some young offenders and their families were attacked and forced out of their homes. In some cases, community responses heightened risk factors. The policy and practice implications of the findings are discussed, including the need for caution about the inclusion of children in policies on community notification of sex offenders.

Citation

Hackett, S., Masson, H., Balfe, M., & Phillips, J. (2015). Community reactions to young people who have sexually abused and their families: a Shotgun blast, not a rifle shot. Children & Society, 29(4), 243-254. https://doi.org/10.1111/chso.12030

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 29, 2013
Online Publication Date May 14, 2013
Publication Date Jul 1, 2015
Deposit Date Mar 5, 2012
Journal Children & Society
Print ISSN 0951-0605
Electronic ISSN 1099-0860
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 29
Issue 4
Pages 243-254
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/chso.12030
Keywords Adolescent sex offender, Community, Sexual abuse, Youth.

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