Child Molestation: A Comparison of Hong Kong and Western Findings

Abstract

A retrospective study of all defendants referred for psychiatric evaluation by the courts over a 10-year period for sexually molesting children was carried out. Offenders were more often of a young age, assaulting children in places accessible to the public and tending to resort to violent means if their demands were not met. Middle-aged and elderly offenders usually suffered from social isolation and sexual frustration and inclined to approach neighbouring children in a non-violent manner. Cases of severe disorder were few, but a significant number were labelled schizoid or of psychopathic personality. The characteristics of the victims closely resembled those described in Western series. Fondling was the commonest offending act, but inter***erural and attempted vaginal intercourses were also frequent.