NCJ Number
117019
Date Published
1988
Length
3 pages
Annotation
In 1975, child abuse was a taboo subject. In 1985, it is a subject that rivets national attention.
Abstract
In the past decade, States have mandated reporting of child abuse, reports of physical and sexual abuse have increased dramatically, and many States have implemented sexual abuse education programs. Media coverage of abuse has been educational and has increased public awareness. However, this increased attention to abuse has had drawbacks. It is estimated that nearly half of the annual reports of abuse are unsubstantiated, caseloads have become unmanageable, and media attention that is sensational may repel communities just coming to grips with the problem. The institutionalization of abuse prevention is evident in the Government's proclamation of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Schools have been in the vanguard of the prevention movement, all 50 States mandate that teachers report suspected abuse, schools have developed teacher training programs, and many schools have classes to teach children about abuse and how to avoid it. Unfortunately many of these programs are insufficiently explicit, may confuse children, and overemphasize the danger from strangers. A list of teaching resources is provided, together with guidelines for identifying abuse, reporting, and counseling abused children.