NCJ Number
120794
Journal
Smith College Studies in Social Work Volume: 59 Issue: 3 Dated: special issue (June 1989) Pages: 289-300
Date Published
1989
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Recent literature on the effects of sexual abuse on girls and women and on teenage pregnancy and parenting suggests ways in which the two problems may become connected.
Abstract
Sexual abuse produces many psychological, interpersonal, and social effects and distorts relationships among family members. Some of these effects, such as those relating to sexual attitudes or vulnerability to subsequent sexual exploitation, can have direct relevance to the risk of teenage pregnancy. Thus, exploring the link between past or present sexual abuse and teen pregnancy is important not only for research but also for the design of programs to prevent teenage pregnancy and to support teenagers who have decided to become parents and for the provision of services to pregnant teenagers. 40 references.