NCJ Number
108850
Date Published
1988
Length
428 pages
Annotation
Using case examples and descriptive data, this book provides comprehensive guidelines to assessment, case management and treatment for mental health and other professionals who find themselves involved in cases of child sexual abuse.
Abstract
After discussing professional feelings about sexual abuse and definitions, the text presents statistics on the clinical cases which form the basis of its observations and guidelines. Three approaches to differential diagnosis are described: the closeness of the victim-perpetrator relationship, the role relationship between victim and perpetrator, and perpetrator psychology. Causes of sexual abuse are conceptualized as prerequisite -- i.e., the perpetrator's sexual feelings toward children -- and contributing cultural, environmental, or family factors. Chapters on the assessment process cover evaluation, interviewing the child and other family members to determine the veracity of the allegation, and medical assessment. Guidelines for case management decisions are presented, as are criteria for deciding whether the victim needs treatment. Also discussed are goals and strategies for intervening in sexual abuse and improving family functioning, individual treatment issues, and techniques for treating the mother-daughter dyad, the marital dyad, and the father-daughter dyad. Other chapters address family and group therapy and legal intervention in child sexual abuse. Tables, drawings, medical glossary, bibliography, and index.