NCJ Number
96709
Date Published
1984
Length
123 pages
Annotation
In this book, the author uses case histories of battered children to reveal the many forms abuse can take, as well as the help from community and social organizations now available to children and their families. Special emphasis is given to the adolescent victim.
Abstract
Discussion focuses on sexual abuse, how to locate a suitable alternative to an intolerable home situation, and approaches to curb the problem of abusive families. Factors that increase the possibility of maltreatment are noted. These include social isolation and stressful conditions that lead to parental frustration, severe economic deprivation, and child behavior that stimulates abuse and victimization. Characteristics of abusive parents are described, and factors common to adolescence which may tend to generate parental abuse are noted. Case histories illustrate the destructive effect of sexual abuse on children's normal emotional and sexual development. The book includes an index and 10 references.