NCJ Number
111234
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: (1988) Pages: 103-113
Date Published
1988
Length
11 pages
Annotation
In view of the recent proliferation of school sexual abuse prevention programs and materials, this article critically examines current assumptions about the role of elementary school personnel in prevention and the possible unintended consequences of such assumptions.
Abstract
These unintended consequences include emphasizing a simple solution to a complex problem, obscuring the nature of decisions, and victim blaming. Further, teacher use of predeveloped materials may result in a diminuition of wider teaching skills and the reduction of a complicated problem and concepts to brief and noncontroversial interventions that may serve only to mystify sexuality and unduly frighten children. Mandatory reporting, as it is frequently presented to teachers, can create additional dilemmas by obscuring the ethical decision inherent in the process, assuming a consistently positive outcome after reporting, and neglecting the school context in which teachers work. It is suggested that educators should be aware of their assumptions, dilemmas, and unintended consequences in order to maintain a broad perspective on child sexual abuse and focus their efforts more effectively within a larger network addressing the problem. 45 notes and references. (Author abstract modified)