The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature on the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in school-aged youth (i.e., [less than or equal to] 18 years). Inclusion and exclusion search criteria led to the identification of 96 articles published during a 25-year period. Articles containing international samples…

Globally, children with intellectual disabilities are at an increased risk of being victims of maltreatment compared to those without disabilities. Among the children who do disclose the abuse, limitations with communication and working memory can result in their allegation being perceived as not credible. There are several evidence-based…

Legislation in the United States, such as the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act, mandates service system collaboration to meet the complex needs of young children with disabilities who have experienced abuse. This literature review examines extant literature related to young…

Cyberspace has added a new dimension to the ecology of children made the subjects of sexual abuse images distributed online. These images cannot be permanently removed and can continue to circulate in cyberspace forever. A review of the current literature suggests that helping professionals are not consistently aware of or do not probe…

Objective: The purpose of this paper was to compare the prevalence rates of child sexual abuse reported by [Finkelhor, D. (1994). "The international epidemiology of child sexual abuse." "Child Abuse & Neglect," 18 (5), 409-417] with those found in recent publications in order to confirm the widespread prevalence of child sexual abuse. Methods:…

The paper focuses on four representative studies regarding definitions of sexual abuse, describes differences in the definitions used, and examines how such differences may contribute to discrepancies in the estimated prevalence. Historical and legal issues pertaining to the definition of child sexual abuse are also discussed. (Author/CL)

Acts of pedophilia, rape, and incest are uncomfortable subjects that are underdiagnosed and underreported. Effective management involves a multidisciplinary approach that is difficult to achieve without a special program for sexually abused children. Journal availability: see EC 143 201. (Author)

This article reviews the meaning and origins of child maltreatment in relation to children with disabilities. The heightened risk of abuse that is faced by such children arises from dynamics within the familial and community context of the child. (Author/DB)

Research on the contribution of low birthweight, perinatal problems, congenital disorders, and mental retardation to child abuse is reviewed. Analysis indicates handicapping conditions are not major causal factors, while longitudinal research suggest that minor deviations in child behavior rather than major handicaps are related to the occurence…

The literature reviewed on the relationship of child abuse to mental retardation is said to suggest a higher incidence of mental retardation for abused children than might be expected in the general population. Implications are drawn for the expanded role of educators in prevention, identification, and treatment. (Author)

This discussion of abuse of people with intellectual disabilities notes the varieties of abusive actions found, including sexual abuse; the possible incidence of such abuse; and reasons why this population is especially vulnerable to abuse. A current study to examine the incidence of abuse and reporting mechanisms is briefly described. (Author/DB)

The document provides a review of the issues related to child abuse and neglect and presents a bibliography of 78 documents on the subject. Individual chapters, each containing a reference list, address the following areas: historical overview, incidence, characteristics of abuse and neglect, current legislation, systems approach to child…

The article looks at the increasing reports of child abuse and neglect including physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect (deprivation of necessities), and emotional (psychological) maltreatment. Implications for schools are noted including the greater risk of the handicapped for abuse. (DB)

Examines consistency of results and variables that may confound validity in child sexual abuse cases. Concludes that the ways in which information on the incidence and prevalence of child sexual abuse has been collected, analyzed, and reported have been flawed to the extent that few reliable conclusions can be made. Includes suggestions for…