NCJ Number
155459
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (1995) Pages: 75-86
Date Published
1995
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This exploratory study examined the training background and self-reported level of knowledge among a group of professionals on specific child sexual abuse topics.
Abstract
The survey instrument included a list of topics related to the treatment of child sexual abuse victims and offenders. Respondents were asked to indicate if a particular topic was related to their job and how knowledgeable they felt about each topic. Survey forms were distributed to all participants at the 1992 Midwest Conference on Child Sexual Abuse and Incest in Madison, Wisconsin. Over 1,400 people attended the conference, and 427 individuals completed the survey. Results showed that most professionals who worked with adult, female, and incest victims received training. Many professionals who worked in the area of child sexual abuse treatment, however, had not been trained in topics directly related to the work. Fewer than 40 percent of those who worked with female offenders, gay or lesbian victims and offenders, victims and offenders with developmental disabilities, and cases where cultural issues were relevant had adequate training. Professionals who had been trained reported feeling more knowledgeable on child sexual abuse topics than those without training. The authors recommend that graduate degree and continuing education programs examine their offerings in the area of child sexual abuse. 17 references and 3 tables