The impact of parental reaction on the teenager's awareness of the seriousness of the sexual offense they perpetuated.

Introduction. In 2004, statistics showed that one out of four sexual offenders was a minor. Hence, the S.O.S. Family team’s intervention intents to provide the appropriate guidance and- support to the involved- teenagers (victims and offenders) alongside their family.

Method. Our research focused on the correlation- between parental reaction to their minor’s committed sexual offenses and the awareness of the gravity of the latter’s acts himself. Accordingly, we gathered our information from the S.O.S. Family team’s data base applying 20 real-life cases on our observation grid.

Results. Despite our small sample, we found a significant association between parental denial or overprotection reaction and the teen’s unfamiliarity with his act’s gravity. As a matter of facts, no relationship was established when it comes to other forms of parental reactions (minimal recognition, rejection, aggression, anger or dramatization).

Discussion. Parental reaction is a vital aspect in the acknowledgment and development of the adolescent’s offensive sexual acts. In general, the parental backlash - of any kind - is not significantly related to the young’s awareness of his actions intensity. However, this work also reveals interesting information regarding the young sexual offender’s individual characteristics. Last but not least, this study provides some helpful tips and clues for a clinical intervention focused on both the young suspect and his parents.