NCJ Number
137497
Journal
Journal of Child and Youth Care Dated: special issue (Fall 1991) Pages: 129-139
Date Published
1991
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Thirty-six young victims of child sexual abuse, all in child welfare care, spoke on several specific areas of concern at the Fifth Annual Meeting of the National Youth in Care Network held in May 1989, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Abstract
The first topic area covered was legal issues. The victims spoke about the injustice of suspended or minimal sentences for convicted sex offenders, the victimization they suffered at the hands of the criminal justice system, and certain courtroom procedures. The speakers supported the use of videotaped testimony and expressed their preference that live testimony be presented in a more private environment such as the judge's chambers. They spoke of the need for training and education of court personnel and immediate treatment for both victim and perpetrator. Treatment issues discussed here included the role of safety and protection of the victim during the treatment process, the need for mutual trust in a therapeutic relationship, and the need for awareness in matters of basic human sexuality and relationships. These victims emphasized the need for new approaches toward treating sexual abuse victims in rural, remote, and Native communities. Finally, the children stressed that primary prevention, particularly school-based programs, and public awareness campaigns are essential to prevent occurrences of child sexual abuse. 1 reference and 1 appendix