As much as we would like to avoid the stereotype, when someone speaks of sexual predators, many of us would conjure up an image of a poker-faced, grungy, unfortunate looking adult male.   Often, female sex offenders don’t immediately come to mind.  In fact, ten years ago, the common assumption was that females did not or physically could not sexually abuse children. Professionals in the field believed only 1 to 3 percent of sexual abusers were women.

But statistics indicate that though males make up 75 percent of sexual predators, females account for the other 25 percent. This percentage is deceptively low, considering that 86 percent of cases involving female perpetrators are discounted and unreported because of lack of public awareness.

“Women, in general, seem to look for relationships and not necessarily sex – although female offenders will have sex with a minor. They’re just less likely to seek someone out randomly online,” according to Robert Weiss, executive director and founder of the Sexual Recovery Clinic in California.

A recent Oshawa court case, has raised alarms about sexual assault by females, cautioning parents to not just be wary of male perpetrators.

Jill Sparks, an elementary school teacher of the Durham District School Board, pleaded guilty to sexual interference and assault on a 14-year old boy. Justice Halikowski sentenced Sparks, 35, of Bowmanville, Ontario, to 45 days in jail followed by a 12-month conditional sentence confining her to her home.

In a tearful apology she states, “My actions were my own and I accept full responsibility for them.”

The boy, whose identity is protected by court order, was not a student of Sparks. The two were found by Durham police engaging in a sex act in a parked car in rural Clarington.

Sparks’ conviction marks the end of her teaching career.  Justice Halikowski noted, “It is clear that her ability to ever teach again has been severely restricted.”

She has resigned from the board and will receive disciplinary action by the Ontario College of Teachers.  Sparks will also be enlisted as a sex offender on the federal registry for 20 years and is prohibited from working or volunteering with children for 10 years.

Sources:
http://www.canadiancrc.com/Female_Sex_Offenders-Female_Sexual_Predators_awareness.aspx
http://newsdurhamregion.com/news/article/135551
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15157004/ns/dateline_nbc/

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