Sexual abuse by women

One of the greatest obstacles to the prosecution of female sexual offenders may be the general disbelief that women are capable of initiating sexual abuse. Often children who have been sexually abused by women are denied professional assistance because adult individuals cannot comprehend such abuse. Some view sexual abuse in terms of male power, as men tend to have more physical strength than women. The potential physical and psychological strength of a woman over a child, however, may negate the importance of gender in child molestation.

A 1992 London report shows that of 100 victims abused by women only 25 were given professional support, although all sought assistance. One organization involved in the report stated absolute non-acceptance of accusations of female sexual offenders, while another organization prohibited any men from entering the clinic. Of 127 adult victims who contacted a London organization, half the women and two thirds of the men were abused by their mothers, while the rest were abused by other female relatives or authority figures.