Child Sexual Abuse: Learning From the Past

• NCJ Number: 209418
• Journal: Sexual Assault Report Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: January/February 2005 Pages: 35-38,43
• Author(s): Joan Zorza Esq.
• Date Published: January 2005
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article considers the myths about victims of sexual abuse, particularly child victims.

Abstract

Two studies are presented that have tracked myths of sexual abuse victims. The first study examined writings on sexual abuse from 1900 to 1975. This study uncovered within the medical and social science literature several sexist myths, such as (1) children are to blame for their own abuse; (2) mothers are to blame; (3) child sexual abuse is rare; and (4) child sexual abuse does not harm children. Within the legal literature, four themes emerged: (1) most rape accusations are fabricated; (2) sexual misbehavior only occurs in the minds of crazy women; (3) there is a preoccupation with consent; and (4) rape victim’s testimony is rarely corroborated. By 1975, the literature began to show more sympathy toward victims, which only fueled a backlash against victims beginning around 1984. For example, within psychology books, most mention of child sexual abuse was dedicated to discussions of false memories. Research into the prosecution of child sexual abuse between 1900 and 1950 showed a startling lack of prosecution and conviction of perpetrators and by the mid-1980's courts became increasingly interested in the suggestibility of children and the techniques used to interview them. In the second major review of the literature in this area, researchers examined writings on how non-offending parents reacted to the sexual abuse of their children. Literature from the 1970's through 1985 suggested that most mothers disbelieved the allegations of their children, however the literature also found that mothers reacted in a supportive fashion toward their children. The author of the current paper contends that misogynist myths concerning sexual abuse must consistently be corrected, especially in a court of law if victims are to receive the justice entitled them. References