| Although sexual abuse of children by women has historically been considered a rare event, current evidence indicates that this phenomenon has not been uncommon. Nevertheless, researchers continue to overlook women as sexual predators of children. This study examines the literature in order to explore the phenomenon of child sexual abuse by females and determine why knowledge concerning female child molesters has not advanced. Questions concerning the identification, classification, and management of female sexual abusers guide the search for information. The major finding is that gender bias remains an obstacle to the recognition and accountability of females who sexually abuse children. Moreover, preliminary observations of women abusers have been perpetuated by a lack of ongoing research. An analysis of three studies shows that female co-offenders are not a homogeneous group and that proposed typologies are in need of refinement. Thus, more research is necessary in order to move the field ahead, but also for the sake of child victims and women abusers. |
