NCJ Number
164187
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (1996) Pages: 71-87
Date Published
1996
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study compares sexually abused and nonabused children's responses to a personal safety program.
Abstract
Both sexually abused and non-sexually abused children's scores were predicted to increase significantly as a result of program participation; no prediction was made regarding which group would benefit the most. Subjects were 26 children (16 girls and 10 boys) aged 3.2 to 7.1 years, and their respective caretakers. Ten children aged 3.2 to 5.3 years were classified as "younger," while the remaining 16 children, aged 5.8 to 7.1 years, were classified as "older." Thirteen were sexually abused children. Children with no history of sexual abuse, as reported by parents, were drawn from the general community. The 13 sexually abused children were matched with 13 non-sexually abused children on age, gender, and family income, as well as maternal education. After pretesting, children were taught the Behavioral Skills Training program at home over a 2-week period. Children were then post-tested, and parents were asked to complete the program evaluation. Four weeks following post- testing, parents were asked to complete the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory and were informed about their child's performance in the program. In contrast to a previous study that evaluated sexually abused children's responses to a personal safety program, current findings suggest that young sexually abused children can learn prevention concepts and skills. Both sexually abused and non-sexually abused groups showed higher levels of personal safety skills following the program. 3 tables and 20 references