Discoveries made in the course of Gene G. Abel, M.D.'s and Abel Screening's research have changed the ways mental health professionals and corrections personnel think about men, women, and adolescents with sexual behavior problems and the children they have victimized.

Some of these discoveries include:

• Men who sexually abuse children are nearly always committing additional sex crimes.

• Men who sexually abuse children usually start that behavior before they are 18 years old.

• Men who sexually abuse children usually have victimized three children before they are 18 years old.

• Men who sexually abuse their own children may also be sexually abusing other children in the community.

• Boys who are victims of sexual abuse are at higher risk of developing sexual interest in younger children and of becoming people who sexual abuse.

These findings have significant implications for the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse, as they highlight the need for early intervention and comprehensive support for individuals at risk of or engaged in such behaviors.

Click below to see some of the data collected in Abel Screening's National Sexual Violence Research Databank. This massive database provides insights into the sexual behaviors of over 244,000 people with sexual behavior problems. The ASI Research Databank includes information on Visual Reaction Time    provided to over 244,000 adults and adolescents and questionnaires provided to over 191,000 adults and adolescents (updated March 2025). 

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