Citation

Wild NJ, Wynne JM. Br. Med. J. (Clin. Res. Ed.) 1986; 293(6540): 183-185.

Erratum On

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1986 Aug 16;293(6544):437

Copyright

(Copyright © 1986, British Medical Association, Publisher BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

3730803

PMCID

PMC1340915

Abstract

Details of 11 child sex rings identified in one working class community were obtained by interviewing investigating police officers and examining health and social services records. The rings contained 14 adult male perpetrators and 175 children aged 6-15 years. Most perpetrators used child ringleaders to recruit victims; others became a "family friend" or obtained a position of authority over children. Secrecy was encouraged and bribery, threats, and peer pressure used to induce participation in sexual activities. Offences reported included fondling, masturbation, pornography, and oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse. Eleven perpetrators were successfully prosecuted; all but one received a sentence of three years or less. Behavioural problems were common among those children who had participated for a long time. Child sex rings are difficult to detect and may be common. Many children are seriously abused as a consequence of them.

Language: en