NCJ Number
138693
Date Published
1991
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This manual explains the nature and impacts of child incest and provides guidelines for reporting incest and an explanation of case processing and victim services.
Abstract
The text explains that incest is a type of child sexual abuse and that the combination of secrecy by victims and families and lack of concern by behavioral specialists and researchers account for the scarcity of research on the subject. Child incest occurs at all social and economic levels and in every religious, racial, and ethnic group. It usually damages its victims both physically and psychologically. Although professionals in many fields are required to report suspected incest, anyone who seriously suspects a case should report the matter to law enforcement personnel or child protective services. Persons who report in good faith are not held legally liable, even if the report cannot be proven. Therapists and support groups are available for treatment. Figure; checklists showing possible behavioral indicators of child incest, perpetrator characteristics, possible effects of incest, and topics to report; and list of agencies to contact about child incest.