NCJ Number
223716
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect: The International Journal Volume: 32 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2008 Pages: 517-528
Date Published
2008
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the prevalence, typology, and nature of attempted or completed incidents of stranger-perpetrated sexual abuse or abduction of children away from home.
Abstract
The study conducted in the United Kingdom found that of the children in the group, 19 percent reported that they had been the victims of any attempted or completed sexual abuse or abduction incident away from home at some point in their lives. Of these children, almost 7 percent of the original sample reported that the “last” incident had been perpetrated by a stranger. Based upon these last incidents, four main types of attempted or completed child sexual abuse (CSA) or abduction incident were identified: indecent exposure, touching, and abduction, each occurring on their own; and incidents involving multiple types of acts. The majority of these abductions and touching incidents were attempted as opposed to completed. Rates of victimization were generally higher among girls than boys. A sizeable minority of victims had experienced sexual abuse or abduction previously. The large majority of incidents were carried out by males, and most incidents occurred when children were accompanied by their peers. Many victims were frightened by their experience and the large majority made a disclosure, but only a minority of the incidents were reported to the police. Incidents of attempted and completed stranger CSA and abduction were said to be distinct from CSA and abduction by known persons, went against stereotypes, were complex, and gave rise to a number of key issues that may have implications for prevention and intervention. Data were derived from a questionnaire completed by 2,420 children aged 9 to 16 years in 26 elementary and high schools in North-West England. There was an 83 percent response rate. Tables, figure, references