NCJ Number
72380
Date Published
1980
Length
374 pages
Annotation
This book, aimed at parents of children 7 years or younger, tries to understand and examine child sexual abuse by providing information about the circumstances of child molestation and incest and about the motivation of offenders.
Abstract
Noting the one-in-four chance that a young girl will be the victim of incest, child molestation, or rape by the time she reaches 18 years, the book begins with some specific suggestions for parents on increasing their children's positive feelings about themselves. These include teaching children too feel good, not limiting children by sex-role stereotyping, listening to them seriously, teaching them to master their environment, and using the family atmosphere as a means for child abuse prevention. An overview of child molestation and incest is presented which emphasizes the discrepancies between the victim and the offender in terms of power, knowledge, and resources and states that the exploitation of these differences does the most serious harm to the child. Suggestions are given on how to discuss sexual abuse with the child, on actually giving specific warnings, and on understanding the approaches and circumstances of offenders. Parents who are black, Asian, Hispanic, or Native American; who have handicapped children; or who have had a child who was victimized; discuss their special needs regarding child sexual abuse education. It is concluded that child sexual abuse exists within our belief system, so that for significant changes to occur, our values need to change. Exercises for parents and 94 notes are included.