Prioritizing Factors Affecting Sexual Victimization of Children and Identifying Personality Characteristics of Sex Delinquents in Iran

Abstract

The increased commission of sex crimes in Iran highlights the need for more efforts to design strategies towards prevention and reduction of such crimes. Accordingly, the present research aimed to identify the factors affecting the sexual victimization of children and adolescents as well as to identify the personality characteristics of sex delinquents in the criminal justice system of Iran. The research method is mixed design in terms of data nature (qualitative and quantitative) and practical in terms of purpose. The qualitative section has reviewed the previous literature and the quantitative section has benefited from the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). This research has used the opinions of 13 experts in the field of crimes against children and adolescents, and 43 sex offenders. The research findings led to the identification of six factors (social, economic, psychological, legal, executive, media) that are effective on the prevention and postvention of sexually abused children and adolescents in Iran. The highest rank is related to the economic and social factors, and the lowest rank is related to the media factors. The results of this study showed that the identified parameters are approved by experts and have theoretical support that can be effective in reducing sexual delinquency.