NCJ Number
57001
Journal
Social Casework Volume: 60 Issue: 4 Dated: (APRIL 1979) Pages: 227-235
Date Published
1979
Length
9 pages
Annotation
A LITERATURE REVIEW FINDS THAT TEN FEMALES ARE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED FOR EVERY MALE, THAT 75 PERCENT OF THE ASSAILANTS ARE KNOWN TO THE CHILD, THAT THERE ARE DEGREES OF VICTIM PARTICIPATION, AND THAT THE AFTER EFFECTS VARY.
Abstract
MOST INFORMATION ON THE SEXUAL ASSAULT OF CHILDREN COMES FROM THE LITERATURE ON RAPE AND ON CHILD ABUSE. ESTIMATES OF THE INCIDENCE VARY FROM 200,000 TO 500,000 CASES A YEAR INCLUDING ABOUT 5,000 CASES OF INCEST. THE DEFINITION OF 'ASSAULT' VARIES, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO COMPARE STUDIES. HOWEVER, MOST RESEARCHERS AGREE THAT THE ASSAILANT WAS MALE IN OVER 90 PERCENT OF CASES, THAT HE WAS KNOWN TO THE CHILD IN 75 PERCENT OF CASES, AND THAT HE WAS A MEMBER OF THE HOUSEHOLD OR A CLOSE RELATIVE IN 25 PERCENT OF CASES. THE EMOTIONAL DAMAGE VARIES WITH THE CIRCUMSTANCES BUT IS GENERALLY MADE MUCH WORSE BY THE REACTIONS OF SOCIETY AND THE TRAUMA OF INVESTIGATION AND TRIAL. IN FAMILIES WITH MANY SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS, THE ASSAILANT IS MORE LIKELY TO BE A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER; IN MORE STABLE FAMILIES, TO BE A STRANGER. VICTIM PARTICIPATION VARIES FROM TOTALLY ACCIDENTAL VICTIMIZATION AT ONE EXTREME TO VICTIMS ACTING AS SEDUCTIVE PARTNERS AT THE OTHER. TREATMENT COULD WELL BE TAILORED TO TYPE OF VICTIM PARTICIPATION. THE STEPS IN CRISIS RESOLUTION FOR VICTIMS ARE REVIEWED. POLICE AND PROSECUTORS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE TRAUMA THE CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE FACING, AND EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE TO MINIMIZE THE PSYCHOLOGICAL DAMAGE. THE ARTICLE IS HEAVILY FOOTNOTED. (GLR)