What We've Learned From Community Responses to Intrafamily Child Sexual Abuse (From Perspectives on Child Maltreatment in the Mid '80s, P 20-23, 1984 See NCJ-105544)

• NCJ Number: 105547
• Author(s): M M Kendrick
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: Superintendent of Documents, GPO; National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper analyzes the final reports from 14 demonstration projects designed to upgrade the quality of services for incest victims and their families.

Abstract

A key success factor in all programs was the degree to which the program established strong cooperative working relationships among community agencies. Nearly all projects reported the importance of using the authority and leverage of the legal system to keep families involved in the treatment process. Deferred prosecution and diversion programs for offenders were most effective. Public education and community awareness efforts increased incest reporting and requests for services. No stereotypes of incestuous families emerged, as the uniqueness of each family required varied treatment approaches. Treatment modalities included crisis intervention; casework counseling; and individual, group, and family therapy. Treatment progress was most likely when the offender admitted the offense and the mother believed the abuse occurred and supported the child. Some problems encountered in the programs were a high rate of staff 'burnout' and turnover. A significant finding was the degree of sibling abuse in incestuous families.