NCJ Number
149821
Date Published
1993
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This chapter provides a general overview of the sexual abuse of children, first discussing the factors that make the acquisition of accurate knowledge so difficult in this area.
Abstract
Some of the problems experienced by researchers in the area of child sexual abuse include methodological weaknesses and a strong emotional valence which make the acceptance of child sexual abuse untenable for many people. The current knowledge domains regarding child sexual abuse encompass the nature and extent of sexual abuse, sexual offenders, sexual arousal, the consequences of abuse, assessment of children for possible abuse, and the prevention of sexual abuse. Prevention programs typically teach children to follow three basic strategies in sexually abusive situations: to say no, to get away from the assailant or situation, and to report the incident to a trusting adult. While some experts argue that children should be not be expected to protect themselves from sexual abuse and that it is the responsibility of the parents to do so, this author points out that, at the present time, sexual abuse prevention programs may be one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk for children. 108 references