Sexually aggressive behavior is a biopsychosocial phenomenon that is becoming an increasingly serious societal problem. This volume presents state-of-the-science theory and research on sexual aggression. Emerging theories and concepts are emphasized because of their potential to stimulate research on the assessment and treatment of sexual aggressors. The multi-determined nature of sexual aggression is reflected in the wide range of forms of such behavior that are addressed in this volume. Although much recent scholarly work has addressed victim issues, papers focus on perpetrators of sexual aggression who are ultimately responsible for the act. While the empowerment of victims and potential victims is critically important, there is no other type of aggressive act in which the victim is so routinely blamed. Thus a focus on perpetrators will serve to shift emphasis away from victim responsibility and assist in the understanding, treatment, and prevention of sexually aggressive behavior. The heterogeneity of sexually aggressive behavior is reflected in the different conceptualizations and models that have been proposed in this volume to account for the behavior, including ecological perspectives which comprise family, cultural, and evolutionary influences. Developmental contexts of sexually aggressive behavior are addressed in chapters on juvenile and adult sexual offers. Treatment approaches described comprehensively address many important motivational variables in sexual aggression and emphasize the importance of follow-up. In that most sexual aggressors eventually will be returned to the community, treatment is warranted from a cost-benefit perspective. Intended for researchers and clinicians who are involved in understanding, treating, and preventing sexually aggressive behavior, this volume is a direct result of the fourth Kent Psychology Forum (held in April 1992), an international think tank dedicated to advancing areas of social concern in psychology. All contributors are highly respected scholars and professionals in the study of sexual aggression.