Child Sexual Abuse: Implications for Public Health Practice

• NCJ Number: 112421
• Author(s): J N Thomas; C M Rogers; D Lloyd; R Sihlangu
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 28 pages
• Grant Number(s): MCJ-009046-01
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Information Bulletin, July 1985

Annotation

Few public health problems are so hidden and yet have such pervasive impact on the public domain as child sexual abuse (CSA).

Abstract

The true incidence of CSA is unknown, but it has been estimated that between 250,000 and 500,000 children are sexually abused each year. Retrospective studies suggest that as many as 1 in every 5 girls and 1 in every 10 boys is victimized before age 18. Early intervention is an essential first step in treating all forms of CSA. Prevention in CSA may be primary, secondary, or tertiary. Prevention can include direct intervention or public education. Cases of CSA may enter the public health system as a result of a direct allegation, as a result of parental suspicions, or when evidence of CSA is found during unrelated medical procedures. The verification and enforcement of laws in CSA requires the cooperation of police, prosecutors, medical professionals, and child protective services. Medical management involves interviewing the parents and child, physical examination, and communicable disease control. Mental health assessment, treatment, and followup of the child victim and the family may be needed to dispel psychological effects of the victimization. It is important that involved professionals be able to identify medical and behavioral evidence of CSA, document it, and provide testimony. 18 footnotes.