The Adolescent Sexual Offender

Although the research on adolescent sexual offenders is limited, what we do know is sobering. Adolescents less than 18 years of age account for 20% of arrests for all sexual offenses (excluding prostitution). These youth reside in urban and rural areas and may be brought into the physician's office by their parents for help with addressing this maladaptive behavior. Family physicians may also get involved during a sexual abuse investigation, and may be called on to facilitate initial evaluation and coordination of services. Physicians who are aware of adolescent sexual offending can increase their ability to detect adolescents who have aberrant or deviant sexual behavior patterns allowing for early referral and intervention.