NCJ Number
151386
Date Published
1993
Length
196 pages
Annotation
This book guides the reader through the maze of current opinion on child sexual abuse by presenting an integrated factual and theoretical account of child sexual abuse, together with guidelines for professional intervention.
Abstract
Part I addresses the theory of child sexual abuse. One chapter summarizes research data on the frequency, severity, and relevant characteristics of child sexual abuse. Two chapters outline a general model for understanding child sexual abuse and discuss the links between abuse, adult sexuality, the status and sexuality of children, the position and actions of the mothers of abused children, and the structure of family life. Part II provides guidance on therapeutic and welfare practice. A chapter describes the main pathways to disclosure of child sexual abuse and discusses ways of assessing suspicions and alerting signs. Another chapter discusses the validation process, emphasizing procedures that maximize the clarity of information obtained from a child and the effectiveness of the resulting interventions, while also being as therapeutic as possible and acting in the least detrimental manner. A chapter describes the postdisclosure needs of victims and their families and guides social workers through the task of long-term planning. Other chapters present an outline of the most promising modes of therapeutic work and consider professionals' needs, interprofessional roles and relationships, and the place of specialist child sexual abuse treatment teams. For this second edition, the text has been revised and expanded to take account of significant changes in legislation and professional practice since the first edition was published in 1988. 6 listings for additional reading, 110 references, and a subject index