NCJ Number
130831
Date Published
1990
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This booklet is intended to be given by child advocates to child clients who have been sexually abused to instruct them in matters pertaining to their reaction to the abuse and to the processing of a child-sexual-abuse case.
Abstract
The book can be read by children with at least fourth-grade reading skills. It is written primarily for girls who have been sexually abused by males, and it assumes that the abuse has been reported to the authorities. The booklet first confirms to the child that improper sexual touching of a child by an adult is wrong and against the law, even should that adult be a relative or a parent. Words that may be used in association with the case are explained. Feelings related to the abuse are interpreted, and suggestions are offered for how to deal with these feelings. Particular attention is given to ensuring the child victim that the abuse was not her fault and that reporting the abuse was the proper action. Persons and events in the criminal justice processing of the case are explained as are treatment procedures designed to help the victim deal with the abuse and problems that arise from reporting it. Worksheets included at the end of the book help the victim to express her thoughts and feelings about what has happened and is happening to her.