NCJ Number
172425
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: (1997) Pages: 15-34
Date Published
1997
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study, conducted to examine the relationship between religion and child sexual abuse, involved a self-report survey questionnaire administered to 397 freshmen students at a southern university during the 1993-1994 academic year.
Abstract
Students were asked about several social background factors, including involvement with church and religious activities. They were also asked to disclose whether they had been sexually abused as a child. Findings revealed significant relationships between religiosity and child sexual victimization by both relatives and nonrelatives. Persons sexually abused by a relative were much more likely to be affiliated with fundamental Protestant religions, while persons sexually abused by a nonrelative were generally not involved in church and religious activities, were affiliated with liberal religious denominations, or indicated they were atheists or agnostics. The authors conclude type of religious affiliation and involvement in religious activities affect the nature and extent of child sexual abuse. 29 references, 2 notes, and 4 tables