NCJ Number
86571
Journal
Australian Police Journal Volume: 36 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1982) Pages: 177-192
Date Published
1982
Length
16 pages
Annotation
An analysis of the sexual abuse of children focuses on the extent of sexual abuse, the legislative changes needed to aid in the investigation and prosecution of offenders and the protection of their victims, and the changes needed in the ways in which sexual abuse cases are adjudicated.
Abstract
Sexual abuse of children may be more common than physical abuse, but reporting occurs in only a small proportion of the cases. Most children who have these experiences never tell their parents. The child molester is generally a single male, has a responsible job, and is quite friendly and intelligent. Adult male offenders solicit and encourage convenient friendships with children. These friendships lead to sexual involvement ranging from aggravated assault (genital fondling) to sodomy (intercourse) and sometimes prostitution. Six case histories illustrate the variety of types of child molesters. Although the police, medical professionals, and social workers can generally agree on how to handle offenses which occur outside the home, disagreement exists about handling incidents which occur within the home. Widespread ignorance exists regarding the evidential requirements for a successful prosecution. Other problems hampering prosecutions are the lack of understanding of the importance of obtaining and preserving evidence and the lack of witnesses to the offenses. To obtain a conviction, the police must provide corroboration beyond the evidence of the complainant. Among needs are specialized training programs for officers investigating sexual abuse, the provision of information on sexual abuse to the public, adequate treatment facilities for victims and offenders, and prosecutions only in cases with a high probability of success. Twenty-seven references are listed.