Not monsters : analyzing the stories of child molesters /

Sexual crimes against children are increasing: statistics show that one in five girls and one in ten boys will be sexually abused by age 18. A survivor of childhood sexual abuse intent on breaking the silence surrounding the issue, Schultz (communication, Alfred Univ.) peers into the minds of molesters who were willing to reveal their lives, experiences, and perspectives on their molestations, disclosure, arrest, understanding of the crime, and future plans. These narratives describe the perpetrators' childhoods and the onset of molesting behavior. Interpretations of their actions reflect the Groth Typology (established categories of sexual offenders--e.g., fixated, regressed, sex-pressured). Looking at the personal, situational, organizational, and cultural/historical aspects of the narratives, Schultz asks perpetrators how they think society can combat this crime. She argues that widespread ritual abuse is a myth: most molesters know their victims but are not murderers, and convicted perpetrators have a lower overall recidivism rate than those convicted of other crimes. She believes that molesters are not beyond redemption, but she points out the lack of available research on treatment and the fact that Megan's Law and notification policies are cumbersome and untested. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. All collections; all levels. S. M. Valente University of Southern California