Most adult sex offenders have three sexually abusive experiences before 18

More than half of adult sex offenders have had three sexually
abusive or inappropriate sexual experiences before the age of 18
years, according to Barnardo’s Scotland.

The figures were released as Barnardo’s announced the
opening of its first project with Highland Council, The
Barnardo’s Highland Link Project. The new project will work
in conjunction with Highland council and NCH Scotland to protect
people under the age of 16 years, who exhibit sexually abusive or
inappropriate behaviour.

A national study of 561 adults who had sexually abused children
indicated that 53 per cent had ”deviant’ sexual offences as
children, and by the age of 18 years had committed an average of
380 offences. According to Barnardo’s, young people will not
grow out of this behaviour and need early intervention to help them
understand the impact of their behaviour on others.