Discusses two questions raised by sexually abused children's involvement in the legal system: competency to testify; and procedural and evidentiary reforms to protect child witnesses. Reviews relevant psychological research. Recommends that children be permitted to testify without prior qualification. (Author/BH)

Recent research and Canadian government committee reports concerning juvenile prostitution are reviewed. Proposals are made in the realms of law and social policy; and existing programs are described. (DB)

In 1896, Sigmund Freud stated that early childhood seduction caused hysteria in his female patients. He later recanted his original finding and claimed that the reports of abuse he heard from his patients were not descriptions of real events, but his patients' expressions of unconscious childhood wishes. The theory of the Oedipal complex gave…

Child sexual abuse continues to be a problem despite efforts towards prevention. The burden of protecting children still falls mainly on women, yet society's general attitudes take away from women the tools they need to do this job. Mothers of sexually abused children have been blamed for their daughters' abuse because of their emotional…

This paper reviews the clinical and empirical literature regarding mother-son sexual abuse and critiques the methodologies that may be responsible for the underreporting of such cases. The review reveals discrepancies regarding estimates of incidence and prevalence of mother-son sexual abuse based on traditional methodologies such as surveys,…

Describes powerful cultural ideologies which inform reactions to instances of sexual abuse at childcare facilities. Subtle and persistent beliefs and assumptions about mothering, families, children, and sex influence social, political, and legal reaction to this problem. These beliefs can distort our vision of reality and possibility. (Author/LHW)

Discusses the background of child sexual abuse in Sri Lanka and its current status, and brings to light various cultural dimensions that serve to call attention to the issue of sexual abuse of children in Sri Lanka. Elucidates the main issues and barriers in Sri Lanka that need to be surmounted in order to have integrated service delivery.…

Presents a response to de Zoysa's article "Child Sexual Abuse in Sri Lanka: The Current State of Affairs and Recommendations for the Future" (this issue). Discusses the many historic and socio-cultural factors that contribute to the sexual abuse of young children and discusses how Sri Lanka has made a major effort to combat such abuse.…

Guided by a social constructivist perspective, this article analyzes sociological and psychological research and theoretical materials to explore the sexual implications of the corporal punishment of children. The article highlights inadequacy of current arguments against corporal punishment and shows the potential sexualization of the practice,…

Reviews methods of treatment used with sex offenders, each based on the erroneous belief that sex offenders constitute a relatively homogeneous taxonomic class. Asserts that sex offenders are people with a sad personal history, in which their deviant sexual behavior represents an effort to banish the pain they experienced during their developing…

This statement, signed by 20 experts on child welfare and abuse, summarizes agreement regarding the current status of knowledge in investigation of child sexual abuse and identifies those areas in which further research remains necessary. The statement addresses behavioral indicators of abuse, interviewing child victims, the use of dolls and other…

This paper reviews the literature on the sexual victimization of adolescent males, with emphasis on victim selection factors and strategies. A letter written by a middle-aged man to entice a teenage boy into sexual activity is then presented and analyzed. (DB)

The current state of knowledge, primarily anecdotal, concerning ritualism in child sexual abuse is reviewed. The terminology is defined, and the issues of credibility and responses among parents, professionals, and the community are discussed. Implications for interviewing in clinical practice and for policy development are described, as are areas…

This conference address examines the question of whether "memory work"--using therapeutic techniques to help clients recover suspected hidden memories of childhood sexual abuse--has led some clients to develop illusory memories or false beliefs. Prospective research on memory for childhood trauma indicates that the gist of traumatic…

Discusses the problem of violence against women in Canada. Argues that recent government efforts to address the problem deal with the symptoms only. Cites findings indicating that child and sexual abuse are among the foremost fears of Canadian girls. Concludes that society pays too little attention to violence against women. (DK)