NCJ Number
84093
Date Published
1982
Length
170 pages
Annotation
This study identifies the extent of child sexual abuse in West Virginia and evaluates the system response to the incidence of such abuse.
Abstract
Information was obtained through a literature review; analysis of data from national, State, and local studies; and through project questionnaires distributed throughout the State. Questionnaire data revealed 436 child sexual abuse cases occurring during a recent 12-month period, which represents 8 percent of the total number of children in the State. While many different agencies in the State are involved with sexual abuse cases on a fairly regular basis, no clearly delineated procedure exists for intervening. All professionals involved in sexual abuse cases, parents, and children would benefit from a clarification of sexual abuse, as defined by the Child Welfare Code. Special prosecutors should be appointed by the Department of Welfare to aid in prosecution of sexual abuse cases. Protecting the sexual integrity of the child must remain the primary goal of all State intervention. All child victims of incest should be provided with a court appointed lawyer at the State's expense. Emergency custody procedures must be improved by the courts so that suspected cases of abuse may be remedied by the child's removal from the home by the police. Emergency foster homes and 24-hour intake services are needed throughout the State, particularly in rural areas. Two appendixes (a child sexual abuse questionnaire and an analysis of several hundred child sexual abuse cases) and about 200 references are provided.