Clerics Who Commit Sexual Offenses: Offender, Offense, and Victim Characteristics

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to undertake an exploratory analysis of clerics who sexually offend and the circumstances related to these offenses. Thirty-three adult male religious leaders who had been charged with a sexual offense against a child or adolescent were included in the study. This study examined descriptive information about offenders, their victims, as well as characteristics of the crimes. Notable trends included the following: religious leaders tended to offend against boys living with both parents, the offense often took place at the clergy's residence, and the offense involved fondling the victim. The study also compared offenders with single versus multiple victims on crime variables and differences were noted with respect to victim access.

KEYWORDS:

• child abuse
• sexual abuse
• child molestation, religious leaders
• crime characteristics
• victim characteristics
• positions of trust
• sexual offending

We would like to thank Superintendent Glenn Woods, Officer in Charge of Behavioural Sciences Branch of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Dena Robinson of the Behavioural Sciences Branch of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for their invaluable assistance with this project.