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Abstract
A group of 13 child sex abusers over the age of 65 years is described. They are similar in most respects to sex offenders against children in other age groups, with regard to the seriousness of the abusive behaviours described, but they differ in terms of being of higher socioeconomic status, having stable backgrounds and reporting low rates of personal sexual victimization. These factors may contribute to their apparent skill in avoiding detection. In common with younger child sex abusers, these elderly offenders demonstrate low levels of psychiatric illness, and in particular of organic disorders. There appears to be an increased tendency by the courts to consider non-custodial disposal options for elderly sex offenders as they are perceived as being less of a risk and their physical frailty may make them less able to tolerate the rigours of prison life.