‘Notes on a Scandal’: Why do Females Engage in Abuse of Trust Behaviours?
Pages 525-537
Andrea J. Darling and Georgios A. Antonopoulos

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2013.02.47

Published: 18 December 2013

Abstract: Although an evident reality in organisations where females work with young people, there has been no specific research to date exploring why females in positions of trust engage in sexually abusive relationships with adolescents. This study investigated the subject through a qualitative analysis of ten case studies from England drawn from the employment and safeguarding environment, comparing findings with existing studies into female sexual offenders in general, research into male ‘professional perpetrators’ and Gannon et al.’s (2008) Descriptive Model of Female Sexual Offending. The research highlighted a number of key similarities and differences between those who abuse in positions of trust and those female sexual offenders who abuse children in wider contexts. With respect to etiological factors the similarities included unstable lifestyle, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, cognitive distortions and emotional self-management problems. Motivations for this sample appeared to be primarily driven by intimacy needs. Differences were identified relating to lower levels of substance abuse, a higher age range and socio-economic status, less prevalence of severe social skills deficits and chaotic and abusive backgrounds in this subject group. All of the women in the study followed an Implicit Disorganised pathway of abuse and maternal approach to the abusive behaviour.

A Legal Inquiry into the Proliferation and Control of Small Arms in Nigeria
Pages 77-92
Pontian Okoli

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.06

Published: 10 March 2014

Abstract: The continual state of insecurity in Nigeria for several decades can be traced to a number of factors, including ethnic militias and religious fundamentalism. This article examines the extent to which such retrogressive phenomena are caused or fuelled by the proliferation of small arms in Nigeria. It examines the legal regime on small arms, non-legal but relevant societal issues and police powers as they concern the control of small arms proliferation in Nigeria. It argues that the extant legal regime is not robust enough to support any sustainable progress in this area. Also, it concludes that apart from a critical police overhaul and necessary municipal legislative action as influenced by international legal developments, practical policies and economic empowerment must be in place with a view to attaining sustainable development in the area of small arms control.