NCJ Number
138766
Date Published
1992
Length
36 pages
Annotation
Much has been done to improve agency responses to child sexual abuse, but sex offenders need to be dealt with in a way that contributes to the protection of children, and long prison sentences do not necessarily represent the best response.
Abstract
Strategies are needed to make it easier for children to come forward and report sexual abuse and to ensure they are protected from further abuse in a manner that minimizes the pain and trauma of family breakup. In relation to the sexual abuse of children, the imposition of prison sentences on the small number of abusers who reach the sentencing stage of the criminal justice process cannot achieve a great deal in terms of prevention or control. In actuality, unless specific measures are taken within the prison to address offending behavior, the prison experience can be counterproductive. Prison also has other human, social, and financial costs; offenders frequently lose their homes, jobs, and family ties. Eventually, those imprisoned for sexual abuse must be released back into society. Sex offenders can best be dealt with in the community through efforts to change their attitudes and behavior. Sex offender treatment programs can be provided inside or outside the prison setting, and the choice of which setting should depend on offense seriousness and the need to protect the public. The nature of child sexual abuse and the investigation, prosecution, and conviction of perpetrators are examined. Specific recommendations to deal with both victims and offenders are offered. 46 references and 1 table