top of page

An Analysis of Female Offenders in Abusive Relationships: The Role of Psychological and Social Factors

Writer's picture: DSRM-1DSRM-1

1st February 2025


This week, UK media reported on the guilty pleas of Bethany Hill, 26, and her boyfriend, Zabien Burns, 34, for the serious sexual abuse of a child. Hill was sentenced to eight years in prison, while Burns received a minimum term of 16 years. The child's age has not been disclosed, and while Hill is not the mother, Burns' relationship with the child is not clear. The circumstances surrounding the child’s care remain unclear, though it appears they may have been babysitting, as suggested by the continued involvement of the child's biological mother.



The case came to light when police investigated Burns for domestic assaults against Hill, which led to a search of his mobile phone. There, investigators discovered video evidence of the child rapes and other forms of CSA (child sexual abuse), in which Hill was seen both participating in, and filming Burns committing the abusive acts.


I have previously written about similar cases, but they remain important for ongoing analysis, as they offer valuable insights into offender behaviour. While early criminologists, such as Cesare Lombroso, the founder of modern criminal anthropology, sought to identify criminal traits through physical characteristics and measurements (an approach now discredited), it is clear that psychological and social factors continue to play a significant role in understanding criminal actions.


In Hill’s case, her personal circumstances, alongside her appearance, might suggest that she may not have been someone who typically attracted romantic attention. Individuals with low self-esteem or confidence may go to great lengths to preserve relationships, even engaging in actions they might otherwise find abhorrent. This does not excuse her crimes, but it does offer context for understanding her motivations.


A historical case from 2009 offers further perspective. The UK was rocked by the sexual abuse scandal at Little Ted’s Nursery in Plymouth, where Vanessa George, a nursery worker, was convicted of abusing toddlers and photographing the incidents. George was one of four women seemingly controlled by online predator Colin Blanchard, a 39-year-old IT engineer from Rochdale. Blanchard exploited the women’s vulnerabilities, possibly their perceived lack of appeal to men, and manipulated them into committing horrific acts.



The women in Blanchard’s orbit included Angela Allen, a former prostitute from Nottingham, Tracy Lyons, a nursery worker, and Tracy Dawber, a care worker. Each was coerced by Blanchard into producing and sharing images of child abuse. This case highlights a troubling pattern: vulnerable women, often with low self-esteem, can be manipulated by "skilled" men seeking to fulfil their deviant desires.


Indeed, Blanchard made the effort to send the images he received from George to Allen, and introduced the two offending women (online) to each other. As I suspect Blanchard had hoped, the pair became adversaries in a contest to see who could send him the “best” child pornography.


Drawing a connection between these cases, it is plausible that Hill, much like the women in Blanchard’s circle, found herself trapped in an abusive relationship with Burns. The fact that the investigation into Hill and Burns began as a domestic violence inquiry suggests that Hill may have been in fear of leaving, possibly due to the threat of retribution. However, it is equally plausible that individuals with low self-esteem in abusive relationships perceive staying with their abuser as preferable to the solitude of a single life. In such situations, they may engage in harmful actions, such as those described in this case, in an effort to maintain the relationship and actually deter their abuser from leaving.



To analogise, if the situation were one involving other illegal activities, such as drug dealing, it would not seem unreasonable for a wife or girlfriend to participate in such acts to meet the demands of her partner. The motivations may not differ significantly; the desire to maintain the relationship can drive individuals to take actions they might otherwise never consider.


Whilst I have not met Hill or Burns, this analysis aligns with a recognised typology of female sex offenders: women who are insecure and, like Hill, become entangled in abusive relationships with men who have a sexual interest in children and exploit their insecurities as a conduit to realising that sexual gratification. These women often participate in child sexual abuse to satisfy their partner’s demands in order to maintain the relationship. This is an explanation, not an excuse.


During sentencing, unsurprisingly, Hill’s defence counsel argued that she was “very much in awe of” Burns and became dependent upon him, acknowledging her failure to protect the victim. The court also heard that she showed no signs of deviant sexual fantasies or intrinsic sexual interest in children. This assessment seems plausible given her likely offender typology.


Burns’ defence, which included expressions of remorse, is common in such cases. However, research suggests that these claims of remorse are often motivated by regret for being caught rather than genuine contrition. Offenders like Burns frequently attempt to shift the narrative, sometimes claiming they were abused as children, in an effort to mitigate sentencing. While Burns did not make such a claim, it is important to remain cautious about such defences, as they are often unsubstantiated.


These cases serve as a stark reminder that, while individual responsibility for crimes must always be upheld, we must also consider the broader psychological and social factors that can lead to criminal behaviour. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for both preventing future crimes and ensuring that justice is served.


It is important to recognise that cases of female offenders sexually abusing children are not as frequently reported, and this can be attributed to several factors. Many cases involve very young children who are unable to fully comprehend or articulate what is happening (or has happened) to them, making it harder for authorities to uncover the abuse.



Additionally, there exists a longstanding societal perception that child sexual abuse is predominantly a male crime. As a result, women in positions of trust are often not subject to the same level of scrutiny or suspicion when entrusted with the care of children.


However, this perception can be misleading, as we often know very little about the personal lives of the women in these roles, and the vulnerabilities they may possess that could be exploited by perpetrators. It is crucial that we reconsider these assumptions and remain vigilant in safeguarding children, regardless of the gender of those entrusted with their care.


Anthony Hegarty MSc

59 views0 comments

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page