Aggression and Violent Behavior 14 (2009)5-12 Contents lints available at ScienceDirect Aggression and Violent Behavior S Examining the modus operandi of sexual offenders against children and its practical implications Benoit Leclerc a•*, Jean Proulx 6, Eric Beauregard • Schad of OiminoloRy and Criminal Justice. Griffith University. Brisbane. Qtreerulead. 4111. Australia b Schou( of Criminology. Uniwrsity of Monbral & Research Centre Philippe•Hnrl of Montreal. TO 903 bout llenri-Bouroswa est Montreal. Quebec. Canada JIIC Jill School of Criminology. Simon kin." University. 8886 Unitersift Drive. &unity. Minch Columba. Conalo USA IS6 ARTICLE INFO Article history: Received 14 March 2006 Received in revised form 26 July 2008 Accepted 30 July 2008 Availabk online 7 Anson 2008 Keywords: Child sexual abuse Sexual ofknding Mots operandi Treatment Situational creme prevention Contents ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to review the theoretical, empirical, and practical implications related to the modus operandi of sexual offenders against children. First. the rational choice perspective in criminology is presented. Second, descriptive studies aimed specifically at providing information on modus operandi of sexual offenders against children are also presented. This is followed by research that investigates the links between the modus operandi of sexual offenders against children and various factors such as victim characteristics. Third, offenders' treatment. as well as situational crime prevention implications in regards to modus operandi. is discussed in order to highlight their respective potential for the prevention of child sexual abuse. 0 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. 1. Theoretical context 1.1. The rational choke perspective in criminology 1.2. The crime-commission model in criminology 2. Empirical studies 21. Age of the offender 2.2. Age of the victim 23. Gender of the victim 2.4. Offender-victim rel