NCJ Number
107618
Editor(s)
D C Haden
Date Published
1986
Length
194 pages
Annotation
These 18 papers focus on the incidence, prevention, and detection of child sexual abuse and on the treatment of victims and offenders.
Abstract
A discussion of the incidence of child sexual abuse focuses on the difficulties involved in compiling meaningful statistics and efforts to overcome these difficulties. Papers on prevention outline parental responsibilities in teaching children how to avoid sexual abuse, the use of role playing, and the use of books. Discussions of the detection of child sexual abuse consider the indicators an evaluator should look for when gathering data to substantiate abuse, the particular problems of male victims of incest, and the psychological damage that sexual assault does to its victims. Analyses of the roles of professionals consider the school's responsibilities for intervention and prevention, the roles of the classroom teacher and the school psychologist, the use of the play technique in children of different ages, and ways to overcome barriers to establishing the child's credibility as a witness. A critique is also provided of the entire child protective system. Additional papers describe the characteristics and treatment of child molesters. Tables, chapter reference lists, index, and appendixes presenting annotated lists of printed and audiovisual materials and resource organizations.