NCJ Number
198994
Editor(s)
Joan Tabachnick
Date Published
1998
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This guide presents facts about child sexual abuse and how to prevent it.
Abstract
The guide is designed to teach adults about what child sexual abuse is and how to watch for warning signs that a child might be experiencing abuse. Facts about child sexual abuse are presented, including information about sexual offenders and behavioral and physical warning signs that children may exhibit when they are experiencing abuse. Also contained in the guide is a discussion of who sexual abusers tend to be and how they can seek treatment. There is a segment about children who sexually abuse other children, which explains that 30 percent to 50 percent of sex offenders are under the age of 18. This section also describes healthy sexuality in children, helping the reader distinguish between abusive behavior and normal behavior. The last sections of the guide give the reader guidance about what they can do to stop the sexual abuse of children. Notes on what types of behaviors to look for when adults are with children are presented. The guide describes how families should develop a safety action plan and presents facts about community notification law. Suggestions are presented for actions to take when a known sex offender lives close by. Finally, a list of national resources for organizations that deal with child sexual abuse issues is presented.