Genetic factors have significant impacts on the risk of sex crimes

A study has found for the first time that sex crimes are genetically related and that the brothers of sex offenders are five times more likely to sexually assault than the general population. The extremely controversial finding suggests that some men are naturally more likely to commit child molestation or violent sexual assault.

The researchers from Oxford University and Sweden's Karolinska Institute say that, to protect people, psychotherapy can be offered to fathers and brothers of sex offenders. Teach them interpersonal skills, such as respecting boundaries and restraining themselves from aggressive behaviour.

The study found that 40 percent of the risk of sex crimes is genetically influenced and the other 60 percent is linked to personal and environmental factors such as childhood abuse, upbringing, economic conditions and educational conditions. Professor Seena Fazel said: “We definitely did not find a gene associated with sex crime or something like that. It is evidence from a large population study that genetic factors play a significant role in sex crimes. Genetic factors are often overlooked when people are analysing the risk of sexual crime.” If we can more accurately predict those individuals with high risk, then it may be possible to intervene to get the best results through education and preventive treatment.”

The study analysed data on 21,566 men who committed sex crimes in Sweden between 1973 and 2009. If a brother is a sex offender, males are five times more likely to commit a sex crime. Fathers of sex offenders are also four times more likely to commit a crime.

In February this year, Jimmy Savile's father Jonny was found to have sexually assaulted women.

The researchers found that even if they are living in the same family, brothers with different mothers or brothers with different fathers have significantly lower risk of sexual crime than their biological brothers. This indicates the environmental factor impact less.

Genetic factors, such as arousal, desire, and sexual preference, have been recognized to influence the normal sex. While it is not clear which genes are the factors, the scientists say those associated with impulsivity, increased egoism and a Chilean decline may be the hidden reasons.

Professor Niklas Langstrom said: “It is important to stress that the results do not necessarily mean that a sex offender's brother will commit a crime. But there are fewer sex offenders overall, our research show that family factors play a big role. Intervention in risky households may reduce the potential crime.”