NCJ Number
162771
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (1995) Pages: 45-61
Date Published
1995
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Data from 705 children under age 13 who were referred for comprehensive examinations for validation of child sexual abuse formed the basis of an analysis of the influence of familial factors and child characteristics on the likelihood of childhood sexual abuse.
Abstract
The research also sought to provide a more comprehensive demographic profile of families having a child who has been sexually abused, to identify the child most vulnerable to abuse, and to improve understanding of the epidemiology of this psychosocial and medical problem. The participants were referred for evaluations by the State Department of Human Services during a 3-year period beginning in 1989. Results suggested that parental alcohol or drug abuse, family structure, the child's gender, and a history of previous sexual abuse were all significantly associated with the likelihood of childhood sexual abuse occurring within a family. Findings suggested that female children in divorced homes are those most vulnerable to abuse by their natural fathers. Findings also underscore the complexity of childhood sexual abuse as a family problem requiring multiple, simultaneous interventions if its cycle is to be interrupted. Table, figure, and 17 references (Author abstract modified)