Sexually Abused Children: Identification and Suggestions for Intervention (From Child Abuse, P 99-103, 1988 -- See NCJ-116992)

• NCJ Number: 117004
• Author(s): M R Brassard; A Tyler; T J Kehle
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: Phi Delta Kappa
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Reprinted from School Psychology Review, V 12, N 1 (1983).

Annotation

In the school setting, child sexual abuse is usually discovered when a child engages in inappropriate sex play or confides to a teacher or other trusted professional.

Abstract

Other signs of sexual abuse may include difficulty in walking or sitting, torn or bloody underclothing, complaints of genital pain or itching, venereal disease, poor peer relationships, regressive behavior, change in appetite or sleep patterns, fear and anxiety, unusual sexual behaviors, and excessive clinging or need for reassurance. Adolescents may respond by engaging in delinquency, running away, or suicidal behavior. Interviews with the child in suspected sexual abuse cases should be conducted in private setting and in an information and trusting atmosphere. The interviewer should be supportive and reassuring and avoid probing for answers or displaying horror or disapproval. Interviews with parents should be conducted in private, be direct as to their purpose, and provide reassurance of the interviewer's and the school's support. Parents also should be informed that the abuse will be reported. School psychologists should be familiar with State reporting statutes and can play a role in developing reporting policies. School psychologists also can help in training staff, helping parents locate community resources, and developing prevention and intervention strategies. 4 notes and 10 references.