NCJ Number
121946
Journal
New Designs for Youth Development Volume: 8 Issue: 2, 3, & 4 Dated: (Spring, Summer, & Fall 1988) Pages: 16-20
Date Published
1989
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Children often have realistic reasons for not disclosing that they have been sexually abused, so professionals from many parts of society should work for social changes to promote a greater disclosure rate and should use the principles of self-determination and informed consent in working with children they suspect may have been sexually abused.
Abstract
Children usually do not tell anyone about the sexual abuse, often from fears of separation and loss. These fears involve concerns about psychological separation and loss through being stigmatized and physical separation and loss through family separation. Although children's worst fears sometimes come true, the outcome is much less dire than they anticipate in other cases. Sometimes, with support, a child can be helped to test reality. Societal changes that would facilitate disclosure would include widespread sex education programs; widespread education programs concerning sexual abuse; massive education programs for members of the legal system, law enforcement, and child protection; massive training of therapists; and legislation and funding to support these efforts. Professionals working with children they think may have been abused should give these children the freedom not to talk about the abuse if they do not feel safe doing so. They must also tell the child what may happen if they choose to disclose the abuse.