NCJ Number
108738
Date Published
1987
Length
141 pages
Annotation
This 1984-1985, two-phase study examined the processing and outcomes of child sexual abuse cases.
Abstract
A survey of statutory provisions in the United States found little or no differences between sentencing provisions for cases involving child victims relative to those involving adult victims. Differences, however, were found in an analysis of 296 adult and child cases in New Jersey, Virginia, and California. Incarceration was imposed in 69 percent of cases involving child victims as compared to 89 percent in cases involving adult victims; the majority of sentences in child cases were less than 1 year as compared to more than a year in adult cases (and more than 10 years in 40 percent); and probation was used twice as often in child as in adult cases. Further, the child was related to or knew the abuser in 71 percent of cases. An analysis of 393 child sexual abuse cases reported to social services agencies in the same States indicates that abusers knew or were related to the victim in 97 percent, with 43 percent of abusers being parents. Of founded cases, 59 percent received neither juvenile court action nor service agreements between client and social service agency. Removal of the child from the home was the most frequently taken action. Almost half of founded cases did not result in arrest, and only 63 percent of those arrested were prosecuted. Most abusers were initially charged with felonies, 70 percent pleaded guilty (often to a misdemeanor), and therapy was mandated by the criminal court in about 50 percent of convicted abusers. Attrition data, code books, tables, and 32 references. (Author abstract modified)