Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 2(3), 1993, pp.33-54.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Reviews American research into child sexual abuse of males, and finds that the study of the subject is still in its infancy, and can be characterized by research whose methodologies are questionable and whose results are difficult to compare, and when they are compared, may be contradictory and confusing. Offers an outline for future research.
Reviews American research into child sexual abuse of males, and finds that the study of the subject is still in its infancy, and can be characterized by research whose methodologies are questionable and whose results are difficult to compare, and when they are compared, may be contradictory and confusing. Offers an outline for future research.
This paper is the third in a series of briefings on learning arising from the research on potential impediments to recognising the sexual exploitation of young males. It summarises and explores the complexity of youth offending in relation to the sexual exploitation of young males; specifically, how it impacts on the recognition of CSE. Five particular themes that emerged from the fieldwork are highlighted, and a number of recommendations made to inform policy and practice relating to CSE and youth justice. The following five themes emerged from the fieldwork with regards CSE and youth offending: (i) A perceived predisposition of professionals to focus on the offending behaviour of young males, rather than considering other behavioural motivators for the crime; (ii) The perception that a previous poor negative response has the potential to impede disclosures; (iii) The perception that male youth offending behaviours can be manifestations of CSE related trauma; (iv) Imprisonment versus disclosure – a constrained choice; (v) Professionals’ misinterpretation of CSE related behaviours can impact both identification and disclosure. The findings illustrate youth offending (or the perception of it) presents a variety of challenges to the recognition of CSE in males, all of which necessitate addressing if young males are to be safeguarded. This should involve awareness, by professionals and young male victims, of the complexities surrounding manifestations of trauma as well as the facilitation of more positive coping mechanisms for victims.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This paper is the third in a series of briefings on learning arising from the research on potential impediments to recognising the sexual exploitation of young males. It summarises and explores the complexity of youth offending in relation to the sexual exploitation of young males; specifically, how it impacts on the recognition of CSE. Five particular themes that emerged from the fieldwork are highlighted, and a number of recommendations made to inform policy and practice relating to CSE and youth justice. The following five themes emerged from the fieldwork with regards CSE and youth offending: (i) A perceived predisposition of professionals to focus on the offending behaviour of young males, rather than considering other behavioural motivators for the crime; (ii) The perception that a previous poor negative response has the potential to impede disclosures; (iii) The perception that male youth offending behaviours can be manifestations of CSE related trauma; (iv) Imprisonment versus disclosure – a constrained choice; (v) Professionals’ misinterpretation of CSE related behaviours can impact both identification and disclosure. The findings illustrate youth offending (or the perception of it) presents a variety of challenges to the recognition of CSE in males, all of which necessitate addressing if young males are to be safeguarded. This should involve awareness, by professionals and young male victims, of the complexities surrounding manifestations of trauma as well as the facilitation of more positive coping mechanisms for victims.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
young people, boys, young offenders, child sexual exploitation;
Since the latter part of the twentieth century there has been increasing recognition of the need for more effective approaches to engaging adolescent boys. Much of the focus in youth work practice and research has previously been dominated by attempts to better understand young male bio-social and cognitive development through examining high risk issues such as offending, violence, substance use, it difficult to engage positively with certain young men and admit to lacking the confidence and skills to develop meaningful practice. This paper draws upon thirty years’ experience of youth work practice and social research carried out by the authors with adolescent boys within a divided and contested political context. However, while the article draws upon local research findings and practice experiences from Northern Ireland, we believe the learning will be of value to educators and practitioners working with adolescent boys in other societies and contexts.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Since the latter part of the twentieth century there has been increasing recognition of the need for more effective approaches to engaging adolescent boys. Much of the focus in youth work practice and research has previously been dominated by attempts to better understand young male bio-social and cognitive development through examining high risk issues such as offending, violence, substance use, anti-social behaviour and mental health. The recent interest in critical studies of masculinities have further highlighted complex and contradictory ways in which traditional notions of becoming a man impact, often negatively, upon male behaviour and development. Despite increased awareness and concern about adolescent male development, practitioners across various professions frequently report finding it difficult to engage positively with certain young men and admit to lacking the confidence and skills to develop meaningful practice. This paper draws upon thirty years’ experience of youth work practice and social research carried out by the authors with adolescent boys within a divided and contested political context. However, while the article draws upon local research findings and practice experiences from Northern Ireland, we believe the learning will be of value to educators and practitioners working with adolescent boys in other societies and contexts.
(Edited publisher abstract)
... further revealed a level of dissonance between the views of young people and professionals regarding the relevance of barriers to recognition of CSE in young males which is concerning from a safeguarding perspective. The paper concludes with recommendations to inform CSE policy and practice, specifically with regards boys and young men.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This paper is the first in a series of briefings on learning arising from the research on potential impediments to recognising the sexual exploitation of young males (Montgomery-Devlin, 2019). The study utilised a mixed methods approach to achieve a valuable range of data, including: surveys and interviews with more than 90 professionals working within the field of CSE, or related fields across the statutory, voluntary and community sectors and throughout the UK; interviews with 10 young males who had experienced CSE or had knowledge of it in their past or present social circles; and a survey completed by 1,158 young people within the general public. The paper summarises key themes emerging from the study and associated literature review, including findings related to stereotypical assumptions, criminality, perpetrator gender and paramilitarism. The findings challenge the actual stereotypical assumptions regarding males and masculinity believed to inhibit the recognition of males as victims. They also underscore the importance of recognising the role of gender constructs and socialisation in the negating of males as victims of CSE, but more importantly, how they may be manifested. The research further revealed a level of dissonance between the views of young people and professionals regarding the relevance of barriers to recognition of CSE in young males which is concerning from a safeguarding perspective. The paper concludes with recommendations to inform CSE policy and practice, specifically with regards boys and young men.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
young people, boys, child sexual exploitation, crime victims;
This systematic review assessed the current state of the literature on sexually exploited boys internationally. The authors aimed to describe what is known about sexual exploitation of boys, identify gaps in the literature, provide implications for practice, and make recommendations for future research. Multiple database searches were conducted using a combination of controlled vocabulary and keywords to capture child and adolescent sexual exploitation. The authors' search identified 11,099 unique references and excluded studies that did not include male participants less than 18 years old or disaggregate results by relevant age groups and/or by sex. This review identified 42 studies from 23 countries, providing evidence that sexual exploitation of boys is an issue in both high- and low-income countries. Seventeen articles had sexual exploitation as their primary variable of interest, the majority of which sampled boys who accessed services (i.e., shelters, health care, social, and justice services). Boys’ experiences of sexual exploitation varied in terms of venue, exploiters, and compensation. Compared to their non-sexually exploited peers, sexually exploited boys more commonly reported experiences of child abuse, substance use, conduct problems, and mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Despite increasing evidence that boys are sexually exploited around the world, the current literature provides limited data about the antecedents, sequelae, and the specific features of sexual exploitation experiences among boys. Further research is needed to inform, policy, social services and health care delivery specific to the needs of sexually exploited boys.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This systematic review assessed the current state of the literature on sexually exploited boys internationally. The authors aimed to describe what is known about sexual exploitation of boys, identify gaps in the literature, provide implications for practice, and make recommendations for future research. Multiple database searches were conducted using a combination of controlled vocabulary and keywords to capture child and adolescent sexual exploitation. The authors' search identified 11,099 unique references and excluded studies that did not include male participants less than 18 years old or disaggregate results by relevant age groups and/or by sex. This review identified 42 studies from 23 countries, providing evidence that sexual exploitation of boys is an issue in both high- and low-income countries. Seventeen articles had sexual exploitation as their primary variable of interest, the majority of which sampled boys who accessed services (i.e., shelters, health care, social, and justice services). Boys’ experiences of sexual exploitation varied in terms of venue, exploiters, and compensation. Compared to their non-sexually exploited peers, sexually exploited boys more commonly reported experiences of child abuse, substance use, conduct problems, and mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Despite increasing evidence that boys are sexually exploited around the world, the current literature provides limited data about the antecedents, sequelae, and the specific features of sexual exploitation experiences among boys. Further research is needed to inform, policy, social services and health care delivery specific to the needs of sexually exploited boys.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
literature reviews, boys, child sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation;
Sexual Abuse a Journal of Research and Treatment, 29(7), 2017, pp.658-684.
Publisher:
Sage
... have focused overwhelmingly on female victims. This study was designed to help redress fundamental knowledge gaps around boys affected by sexual exploitation. This was achieved through rigorous quantitative analysis of individual-level data for 9,042 users of child sexual exploitation services in the United Kingdom. One third of the sample were boys, and gender was associated with statistically
(Edited publisher abstract)
Child sexual exploitation is increasingly recognised nationally and internationally as a pressing child protection, crime prevention, and public health issue. In the United Kingdom, for example, a recent series of high-profile cases has fuelled pressure on policy makers and practitioners to improve responses. Yet, prevailing discourse, research, and interventions around child sexual exploitation have focused overwhelmingly on female victims. This study was designed to help redress fundamental knowledge gaps around boys affected by sexual exploitation. This was achieved through rigorous quantitative analysis of individual-level data for 9,042 users of child sexual exploitation services in the United Kingdom. One third of the sample were boys, and gender was associated with statistically significant differences on many variables. The results of this exploratory study highlight the need for further targeted research and more nuanced and inclusive counter-strategies.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
child sexual exploitation, boys, gender, service users;
A study into the need for support services for sexually exploited boys and young men in Wales. The report aims to increase the understanding of child sexual exploitation, relating to boys and young men, and provides recommendations to improve their engagement in child sexual exploitation (CSE) prevention and intervention services. The report draws primarily on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 42 professionals working across Wales. A focus group was however carried out with 20 young people involved in a junior safeguarding board, four of whom were boys who had been sexually exploited. Key findings from the report include: negative experiences of care and family life can create vulnerabilities and lead to a higher risk of sexual exploitation; professionals are concerned that there is more complacency around teenage boys that go missing, compared with missing girls, which explains discrepancies in reporting patterns; boys’ routes into sexual exploitation are complicated and difficult to identify, as they are often closely aligned to criminal behaviour and/or substance misuse; boys with learning disabilities which reduce their ability to understand new or complex information, learn new skills and to cope independently are at increased risk of sexual exploitation; and CSE is currently viewed as an offence primarily affecting girls and young women, and this is a barrier to the identification of boys at risk of, or experiencing, CSE.
(Edited publisher abstract)
A study into the need for support services for sexually exploited boys and young men in Wales. The report aims to increase the understanding of child sexual exploitation, relating to boys and young men, and provides recommendations to improve their engagement in child sexual exploitation (CSE) prevention and intervention services. The report draws primarily on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 42 professionals working across Wales. A focus group was however carried out with 20 young people involved in a junior safeguarding board, four of whom were boys who had been sexually exploited. Key findings from the report include: negative experiences of care and family life can create vulnerabilities and lead to a higher risk of sexual exploitation; professionals are concerned that there is more complacency around teenage boys that go missing, compared with missing girls, which explains discrepancies in reporting patterns; boys’ routes into sexual exploitation are complicated and difficult to identify, as they are often closely aligned to criminal behaviour and/or substance misuse; boys with learning disabilities which reduce their ability to understand new or complex information, learn new skills and to cope independently are at increased risk of sexual exploitation; and CSE is currently viewed as an offence primarily affecting girls and young women, and this is a barrier to the identification of boys at risk of, or experiencing, CSE.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
child sexual exploitation, boys, young people, child protection;
Journal of Children's Services, 11(1), 2016, pp.73-84.
Publisher:
Emerald
... band, thereby securing a foothold in the juvenile labour market. Over and above these findings is the fact that so many boys from deprived backgrounds could be taught to play a musical instrument to a competent standard.
Originality/value: As far as the author knows this is the only study of children’s homes’ bands. Its value lies in emphasising the fact that some of the most disadvantaged children
(Publisher abstract)
Purpose: The purposes of this paper are threefold. First, to draw attention to an overlooked feature of children’s institutions in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries; namely, the widespread existence of boys’ brass bands. The second purpose is to explain why these were created and the third is to consider what implications membership of a band had for a boy’s subsequent life.
Design/methodology/approach: The paper relies upon archival and secondary sources.
Findings: The study traces the influences that led to the formation of so many boys’ bands. These included the background of brass bands in popular culture; the belief in the power of music as an agent of social reform; the money-spinning value of a band that gave public performances, and the opportunity for a band-boy to join a military band, thereby securing a foothold in the juvenile labour market. Over and above these findings is the fact that so many boys from deprived backgrounds could be taught to play a musical instrument to a competent standard.
Originality/value: As far as the author knows this is the only study of children’s homes’ bands. Its value lies in emphasising the fact that some of the most disadvantaged children are likely to have latent aptitudes and talents that can be discovered and developed. That is the message for today.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
looked after children, boys, residential child care, social work history;
After years of campaigning, child sexual exploitation is now recognised as a serious
child protection issue – at least where girls are concerned. When it comes to boys, it’s
a completely different story.The author describes new research designed to build a
better understanding of boys affected by sexual exploitation.
(Edited publisher abstract)
After years of campaigning, child sexual exploitation is now recognised as a serious
child protection issue – at least where girls are concerned. When it comes to boys, it’s
a completely different story.The author describes new research designed to build a
better understanding of boys affected by sexual exploitation.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
child sexual abuse, school children, boys, child protection;