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Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to critically examine whether adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) influence sexually violent behaviour in men. For the year ending March 2020 it was estimated that there were 618,000 female victims of sexual assault (Office for National Statistics, 2021a). Moreover, research has suggested that exposure to ACEs could contribute to the development of male sexual violence (Drury et al., 2017; Kahn et al., 2021; Levenson et al., 2016). Therefore, this is a pertinent topic that could aid current understanding of the perpetration of sexual violence, consequently providing a proactive approach to reducing this deleterious crime. This literature review offers a modern perspective by investigating sexual violence through a socio-criminological and psychological lens. Firstly, this literature review explores sexual violence against women, focusing on typologies of rape and sexual homicide. Then, the dissertation assesses the relationship between ACEs and sexual violence, specifically examining elements of child sexual abuse, poor relationship with parents, and physical abuse and neglect. Next, it is explored whether a correlation exists between sexual fantasy, sexual violence, and ACEs. Lastly, the dissertation examines current sex offender treatment, and if it accounts for the impact of ACEs upon the development of sexual deviance and subsequent sexual violence. The findings of this literature review conclude that ACEs are a crucial element of understanding male sexual violence, due to the successive development of deviant coping mechanisms, sexual fantasies, poor attachment, lack of self-esteem, and deficient relationship forming skills. These factors consequently increase the likelihood of engagement in sexually violent behaviour. Furthermore, it was concluded that treatment for sexual offenders should follow a trauma-informed approach that can effectively manage and treat the effect of ACEs, thus reducing recidivism rates. Nevertheless, it is suggested that further research is required to provide practitioners with a robust model that recognises the impact of childhood trauma, in order to successfully support and treat male sexual violence

Course: Criminal Justice - MSc - C2681F

Date Deposited: 2023-05-03

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14119.html