Knowing and studying the perspective of developmental criminology on sexual abuse of women

Past research suggests that women are less likely than men to use violent behaviour, particularly physical aggression. Nevertheless, some women resort to violent behaviour, notably psychological and physical aggression in the context of romantic or intimate relationships. Studies suggest that women can also be involved in sexual coercion, which is another form of violent behaviour toward a partner. Sexual coercion refers to the use of strategies, which can be sometimes subtle, to have sexual contact without the consent of a partner (i.e., seduction, manipulation, intoxication and physical force). A number of factors have been found to be associated with the use of female sexual coercion, including sexual victimization, hostile attitudes toward men, sexual compulsion, depression symptoms, aggressiveness and antisocial or psychopathic traits. The aim of the current article is to analyse the criminological aspect of sexual violence. Nowadays sexual assault has become a major social issue in many contemporary cultures. Sexual violence is a complex interdisciplinary issue, which includes several aspects psychological, judicial, medical, and other aspects. Sexual crime is an urgent problem with a high level of latency, most part of such crimes are not reported in crime statistics. Particularly, sexual violence against children is a serious problem for Latvia and the world. At present, there is a sharp increase in such crimes as a human trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation; as well as the number of sexual crimes against boys is rising. Expansion of criminal activity in the cyberspace has also increased.

Keywords:

violence , violent crime , sexual violence , sexual crime