Abstract
The population of older persons convicted of sexual offenses is rapidly increasing. However, there is little understanding of their characteristics (e.g., demographic, psychological, individual, offense, and risk) and needs. To identify any features that are unique to older individuals convicted of sexual offending, it is important to compare such characteristics across the adult lifespan. This review specified and synthesized the current knowledge of characteristics across the adult lifespan of the population of individuals convicted of sexual offenses. Five databases were searched, and 10,680 results were screened, resulting in 100 studies included in the final review. The findings are presented in four sections: age of onset and prevalence; offender and offense characteristics; age and the risk of reoffending; and treatment. Implications of the findings from this review are discussed in relation to future research and clinical practice.