NCJ Number
101773
Date Published
Unknown
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This monograph presents a typology of day-care center child abuse and guidelines for initial and continuing investigation and validation.
Abstract
Day care sexual abuse cases are unique in that the pedophile has regular access to a large number of children for predictable and extended periods of time. Moreover, the children are at an age when they are easily controlled by adults and are often too young to serve as effective witnesses against their assailant. Investigation requires the coordination of child protective services, law enforcement, and day care licensing personnel; investigators may find themselves under great pressure from the media and parents. Seven types of sexual abuse in day care centers can be defined on the basis of the number of victims and perpetrators, the number of incidents, the progression of abuses, the relationship of the offender to the center's owner or director, the likelihood of secrecy or coercion, and the types of abuse involved. While investigation and validation of such cases will be similar to that in other types of sexual abuse cases, these factors will influence preparation, investigative strategies, the timing of the investigative tasks, and the measures needed to protect the children's interests and safety. 10 notes.