• Fr. Jo Paul Kiriyanthan

There are various theories which explains the etiology of child sexual abusive behaviour of a perpetrator. Among them ‘attachment theories’ and ‘developmental theories’ find the dysfunctional parenting and childhood traumas as the root of such abusive behaviours.
Attachment theories find an interrelation between attachment defects and child sexual abuse behaviour behaviour. Attachment styles in adulthood can be divided into four types based on the combination of one’s self-image and the image of the other person: secure, preoccupied, dismissing and fearful (Bartholomew & Horowitz, 1991, pp. 226–227). Among these four, those people with preoccupied attachment styles- negative self-image and positive image of others- will characteristically develop deviant relations with children (John Jay College of Criminal Justice & Catholic Church, 2004, p. 165). Lack of a proper attachment to parents limits the possibility of a strong and positive attachment in adolescence and adulthood. It creates an intimacy-deficiency among such individuals which would create emotional loneliness and a tendency to alienate others. Such people would lack interpersonal skills and social adequacy. It naturally restricts them from the possibilities of a normal intimate relationship with other-sex in late adolescence. Isolation also increases anxiety and stress and would create hostility towards the opposite-sex. These may lead to child sexual abuse behaviour (Marshall & Barbaree, 1990, pp. 262–263).
Developmental theories specify the interrelation between the childhood experiences and the development of one’s sexual deviation. Sexual victimization as a child may increase the risk of a victim becoming an offender (United Sates General Accounting Office, 1996, p. 5). Some later empirical studies proved this theory as wrong. Many child sexual abuse survivors have become ambassadors of safeguarding ministry as well. However, healthy way of addressing such childhood traumas were important in developing a healthy sexual orientation for those survivors. Childhood emotional abuse and family dysfunction were found to be common risk factors for different paraphilias including paedophilia (Lee, Jackson, Pattison, & Ward, 2002, p. 73). Empirical studies on child sexual abuse offenders and rapists reveal a hostile family atmosphere in childhood, frequent punishment and the presence of aggressive drunken fathers. An aggressive father would become a role model for some male children to become aggressive. Following their father, they would develop a negative attitude towards women. Some children find it difficult to identify with such parents and become insensitive adults without any empathy or regard for the rights of others. That would lead them to isolation in socio-sexual interactions. Poor socialization and violent parenting style also damage their self-esteem. Separating sex and aggression and living with them in a healthy manner becomes difficult for them and they learn to solve their problems by using aggression and violence (Marshall & Barbaree, 1990, pp. 260-264). Such people would easily mix sex and aggression towards vulnerable individuals like children.