FEMALE SEXUAL PREDATORS: THE UNDER-REPORTED CRIMES

Boys less likely to report abuse due to stigma

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

THE case involving a Grade R teacher at a primary school in Cape Town, accused of sending explicit videos to a Grade 7 learner, has brought renewed attention to the often-overlooked issue of female-perpetrated sexual abuse.

Clinical Psychologist Dr Gérard Labuschagne explained that such crimes are underreported, especially when the offender is female.

“Like many sex crimes we don’t know the true reporting stats, but also for female offenders I think society sees them differently compared to male sex offenders which contributes to less reporting compared to males.”

He added that female-perpetrated violent and sexual crime is less common overall, though he has seen several cases involving women abusing children, either alone or in connection with male partners, while some of these women are coerced, others act independently.

Labuschagne cited a study of 12 female sex offenders, finding most were young mothers with troubled pasts, often with histories of abuse and mental illness, including depression, anxiety, and substance misuse.

He said many had personality disorders and complex motivationssome acted to please partners, others out of jealousy, revenge, or a need for emotional control.