Film Description

This disturbing documentary enters the world of juvenile sex offenders whose victims are younger children. It explores the lives of three convicted teens between the ages of 15 and 17 (two male, one female), all of whom were themselves sexually abused when they were younger. Their victims were as young as four. The program offers a rare glimpse into the reality of adolescent sex offenders, as well as the experiences of professionals who are working to end the cycle of sexual exploitation. In graphic detail, participants in a treatment program discuss their evolution from sexual prey to sexual predators, from victims to victimizers.

Made in collaboration with a southeastern Pennsylvania outpatient treatment facility, the film explores the experiences, motivations, and aspirations of adolescent sex offenders and examines some strategies being used to rehabilitate them. The teens discuss their sexual experiences, the development of their offense cycle, what they have learned in treatment and their hopes for the future. Program staff and international experts comment on the importance of treatment and concerns about the effectiveness of mandatory registration programs. Juvenile justice authorities discuss the challenge of balancing community safety with rehabilitation. This is an excellent introduction to this issue, and to one cognitive-behavioral approach to the treatment of sexual offenders.