NCJ Number
113856
Editor(s)
L E A Walker
Date Published
1988
Length
448 pages
Annotation
This handbook for mental health practitioners presents up-to-date legal and psychological information on child sexual abuse.
Abstract
The book is organized into five parts. Part One presents an overview and history of child sexual abuse. Child sexual abuse occurs when adults use power and control to exploit children sexually. Part Two documents the trauma resulting from the sexual abuse of children: the distortion of their sexuality, the damage of their self-image, and the betrayal of their trust by those they trusted. Part Three discusses legal and forensic issues related to child sexual abuse. The problems of the credibility of child witnesses are discussed, along with new methods of obtaining evidence from or in behalf of children such as videotaped testimony, the use of anatomically correct dolls in play therapy, and the expert witness testimony of mental health professionals. Part Four discusses therapies and treatments for sexually abused children and their families. Part Five discusses preventive strategies that provide children with the strength to say 'no' and to control their own bodies.