Child sexual abuse and the propensity to engage in criminal behaviour: A critical review and examination of moderating factors

Over recent years there has been increasing interest in the extent to which child sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with an increased risk for criminal offending generally, and sexual offending more specifically. There is now a small but rapidly growing body of literature testing these associations; however, there have been few attempts integrate and summarise empirical findings regarding the range of criminal consequences that might be associated with a history of CSA. This comprehensive review aimed to provide a critical synthesis of existing research examining whether CSA is associated with an increased propensity to engage in crime. It also sought to integrate findings concerning the risk factors found to influence the CSA–offending association. First, we provide a summary of key conceptual models explaining the link between child abuse and offending. The context and risk markers of CSA are then briefly explored, followed by a summary of the various methodological considerations and limitations common to the ‘cycle-of-violence’ literature. The substantive part of the review outlines the findings from 43 records examining the CSA–offending association and that satisfied our methodological criteria for inclusion in the review. In conclusion, CSA was associated with an increased risk for engaging in general and violent crime as a juvenile or adult, compared to individuals without an abuse history; however, ambiguities concerning the CSA–sexual offending relationship remain. Consistent with ecological and transactional models, a multitude of factors appeared to influence the CSA–offending relationship. Implications for the prevention of criminal behaviour, and recommendations for future research are discussed.