NCJ Number
113975
Date Published
1987
Length
25 pages
Annotation
A British committee that examined ways to prevent child sexual abuse recommends publicity campaigns that are aimed at protecting children not only from sexual abuse from strangers but also abuse by family and acquaintances.
Abstract
The committee noted that about 75 percent of all sexual abuse involves people known to the child. It recommended helping children to develop a feeling of having rights over their bodies and to recognize when anyone threatens to violate those rights. The committee also recommended targeting parents for advice, involving adults in the effective promotion of preventive messages, and using interactive lessons in surroundings familiar to the child. The group also urged that warnings not be overdone, because most children are not abused. It also recommended interagency coordination in the prevention, detection, management, and treatment of child sexual abuse. Additional recommendations are a brochure presenting facts about child sexual abuse and a parent handbook produced by KIDSCAPE in connection with the board game called 'Safely Home.'