... sexual abuse victims were at a higher risk of arrest for sex crimes than controls. However this study does not seem to take into account other influences the child may have experienced during childhood, such as their community; schools, peers etc. Thus the validity in this study is questionable. However studies have also been carried out which suggest that physical punishment and maltreatment during childhood may affect adulthood adjustment. Fergusson and Lynskey (1997) carried out a longitudinal study, the 'Christchurch Health Development Study'. The relationships between retrospective reports of physical punishment/maltreatment and adjustment difficulties at the age of 18, they concluded that those with a harsh or abusive childhood experience were at increased risks of violent offending, suicide attempts and being a victim of violence. As with the past study the validity of Fergusson et al's study can be questioned, firstly retrospective studies question whether accounts of past experiences ...

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