Female Sex Offenders: Classifications

We commonly do not think of women as sex offenders. With men most likely listed as fitting the stereotypical profile of a sex offender, when a woman commits such an act, we are often surprised.

With many ways in which to classify sex offenses, most classifications systems do not fit the psychological complications of women who commit these sex acts. As a result, a classification system has been designed to specifically address sex offenses by women.

Women who commit sex crimes are usually classified by one of three categories: teacher/lover, male-coerced or predisposed. With all three classifications, women who commit sex crimes usually suffer from very low self esteem, rarely use force and are ready to admit to the offense without much coercion. Unlike men, women with sex offenses, in most cases, develop the complication later in adulthood.

In the "teacher/lover" sex offense committed by women, the classification is given to those female adults who commit a sex offense while they are in a position of power. Often, this offense is committed by a school teacher, usually middle school or high school. The teacher will admit to the offense without much hesitation as she often feels her offense is out of kindness and concern for the student and is an expression of love. While this is a type of sex offender who can be easily treated, getting her to admit to the offense as a criminal act is quite difficult.

Beyond the teacher/lover sex offense, women who commit sex crimes may be involved in a complex psychological complication that involves male coercion. In these types of female sex crimes, the woman who commits the sexual act is often accompanied or coerced by an abusive husband or boyfriend, acting out a sexual act upon a child at his request or demand. Out of fear or repercussion, she will oblige and commit the offense.

The predisposed female sex offender, unfortunately, are found to be women who usually commit sex acts against their own children. Without any male stimulation, these women will engage a male child in sexual activity and often suffer from severe psychological complications, including suicidal ideations. While it is unfortunate, the statistics support that most children who are victimized by a woman who commits a predisposed sex offense, are children under the age of six.

Whether you are a woman who committed a sex offense, or you know of a woman who has, it is important to understand these classifications. Any act of sex offense against a child is illegal, and appropriate psychological attention should be sought. When considering legal ramifications, these are the categories of sex offenses by which most female sex offenders are classified.