NCJ Number
99456
Journal
New Designs for Youth Development Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: (March-April 1985) Pages: 1-8
Date Published
1985
Length
8 pages
Annotation
After reviewing the prevalence of child sexual abuse, this article discusses its victimization effects, child molester characteristics, signs of child sexual abuse, techniques for interviewing child victims, and some prevention strategies.
Abstract
In documenting the prevalence of child sexual abuse, the victimization of boys is compared with that of girls. Victimization effects include psychological damage, the lowering of self-esteem, damage to subsequent adult sexual functioning, and the corruption of the child's morals. Child sexual abusers typically have an arrested sexual development that prevents their having satisfying social or sexual relations with adult women. Interviewed molesters report that they target children who appear timid, have low self-esteem, and have little adult supervision. Signs that a child has been sexually abused encompass behavioral, emotional, and physical changes, including urinary problems, depression, secretiveness, manipulativeness, and constant talk about the abuser (if an adult friend or family member). Interviewers of child sexual abuse victims should be sensitive and sympathetic, particularly communicating that the child is not at fault for what happened and will not be punished for revealing abusive incidents. Eleven prevention strategies are outlined, and a comprehensive presentation of myths and facts about child sexual abuse is provided.