Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Male and Female Juveniles and the Juvenile Justice System - A Conceptual Paper and a Preliminary Plan for a National Symposium

• NCJ Number: 87566
• Author(s): D K Weisberg; D J Berkman; C P Smith
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 92 pages
• Grant Number(s): 79-JN-AX-0013; 77-NI-99-0009; 77-JN-99-0008; 77-JN-99-0008(S-1); 77-JN-99-0008(S-2)
• Sponsoring Agency: US Securities and Exchange Cmssn
• Corporate Author: American Justice Institute
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Bibliography
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper reviews the literature on the types of sexual abuse (e.g., molestation) and exploitation of juveniles (e.g., pornography) and considers major issues, problems, and needs of the juvenile justice system associated with such abuse and exploitation.

Abstract

Sexual abuse of juveniles is a national problem that stems primarily from inadequate parental or custodial behavior. Many of the juvenile victims become runaways, delinquents, or develop sexual dysfunction, learning problems, or severe psychological problems. The legal approach to sexual abuse has been fragmented, focusing primarily on the offender while neglecting the juvenile victim and his/her family. Current State reporting statutes designed to facilitate early identification of abuse focus too narrowly on medical identification without considering the role that many other professions can play in the early identification of sexual abuse. More information is needed on the incidence and extent of sexual abuse, factors which predispose the participants toward such behavior, and the consequences of sexual abuse for the victim and the family. With an increasing incidence of sex crimes by juveniles, the knowledge gap in this area is significant, especially in determining the appropriate handling and treatment of juvenile sex offenders. Further, knowledge about juvenile prostitution and involvement in pornography is also limited. Also, more work needs to be done in developing treatment approaches that accord with the etiological factors of sexual abuse and exploitation of juveniles. The juvenile justice system must define its appropriate role and function in dealing with the needs of juvenile victims, their families, and offenders. A national symposium should be held to review the state-of-knowledge and effective strategies for addressing the issues. A preliminary plan presents major elements of such a symposium, suggests topics for discussion, and provides a preliminary list of possible presenters. Tabular data and about 110 references are included.