This article explains the legal distinctions between rape, statutory rape, and child abuse and school counselors' obligations related to each. In addition, complicating issues such as cultural differences as well as the potential effect of mandated reporting on counselors' roles are addressed. (Contains 18 references.) (GCP)

Reviews records of 126 incarcerated offenders who participated in a prison-based sex offender treatment program. Discriminate function analysis reveals that offenders who completed treatment were more often diagnosed with a substance disorder, had a history of nonviolence offenses, and were less often diagnosed as having an antisocial personality…

Counselors must become aware of psychosocial and legal aspects of sexual abuse of children in order to provide much-needed assistance through informational programs and to establish clear channels of communication with referral agencies catering to needs of abused children. Frequently, school counselors are the only available confidants in the…

Reviews research on prevalence and effects of three types of victimization of women: child sexual abuse; sexual assault; and sexual harassment. Claims this research suggests victimization is quite common among women and has serious detrimental effects on their mental health. Presents data indicating victimization experiences are common among…

Males are more at risk of sexual assault and consequent psychological problems than is generally believed. The existing knowledge base is reviewed and discussed. Although few services exist for this population, awareness on the part of school counselors and personnel can provide opportunities for survivors to process these experiences. (EMK)

A cross-cultural and historical survey of the relationship between slavery and the status of women focuses on Marxian theory, the position of free women, sexual division of labor, the threat of rape, and equivalents of slavery in the modern world. Throughout history, the majority of slaves have been women, many of whom held favored positions,…

Social exchange framework is applied to Summit's Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome, which describes a common pattern of interaction and response among child victims of sexual abuse, their caretakers, and adult offenders. Analysis of the syndrome demonstrates the applicability of the exchange perspective for this aspect of child sexual…

Literature indicating high rates of abuse in this population is reviewed, as is literature indicating high rates of developmental disabilities in child victims of abuse. Problems in data collecting practices are noted. Reasons for these children's greater risk for abuse are identified, including child attributes, stress, parent vulnerabilities,…

Keeping children safe becomes a more complicated concern when many of the offenders are not adults, but other children. Data from the justice system reveals that juveniles account for about 20% of all forcible rapes and about 50% of child sexual abuse. Contrary to the media's depiction, the majority come from two-parent homes, have no prior…

Each year in the United States, thousands of school-aged children become involved in sexual activities arranged by adults for purposes of pleasure and profit. Nationwide, annual profits from the child pornography industry and from female and male child prostitution are in the tens of millions of dollars. Heretofore, the majority of…

The responsibilities of school personnel in detecting and dealing with incest are discussed: (1) knowledge about incestuous behavior; (2) observation and detection; (3) reporting and referrals; (4) counseling and followup; and (5) prevention. (FG)

This report details unique characteristics of rural violence and outlines 88 strategies to prevent violent behavior, improve services for victims, and reduce recidivism. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, rape, assault, and robbery rates tripled in rural communities from 1965 to 1992. Rural violence differs from urban violence in several…

This report presents comprehensive information on juvenile crime, violence, and victimization and on the juvenile justice system. This report brings together the latest available statistics from a variety of sources and includes numerous tables, graphs, and maps, accompanied by analyses in clear, nontechnical language. The report offers Congress,…