Sexual abuse can have negative consequences for children during the time of abuse as well as later in life. An important research question concerns the cycle of sexual abuse, specifically the likelihood that individuals who were victims of sexual abuse as children will become sexual abusers of children in adulthood. At the request of Congress, the…

Published empirical research on the repression of memories of childhood sexual abuse is limited at the present time, and the quality and usefulness of the research varies with the methodology, research design, statistical analyses, and researcher bias. This literature review discusses at length a 1987 study by J. H. Herman and E. Schatzow and 1994…

The purpose of this paper was to elaborate on the definitions of child abuse in order to improve the understanding of child abuse. The definitions given by the U.S. House Joint Committee on Child Abuse in the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, and in research by Holden (1984), are cited. These definitions refer to the nature of abusive acts…

This document provides a review of recent, state-of-the-art literature concerning the nature, extent, dynamics, and effects of child sexual abuse and examines America's preventive intervention and treatment efforts for child sexual abuse. After an extensive presentation of the problems of defining terms in sexual abuse, these topics are discussed:…

This document was designed to be used as a narrative compendium of current research in the area of child abuse and neglect, and as a research/reference aid to specific topics in the study of child maltreatment. Within each section heading, new publications are briefly described and their most important findings are highlighted, referenced by the…

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)

Presents an overview of the benefits and risks of Web-based interactions for youth. Discusses, as an illustrative example, the psychosocial effects of online "grooming" practices that are designed to lure and exploit children by enticing them, typically in a nonsexual way, toward a sexual encounter. Suggests constructive solutions and a…

Reports the findings of a grounded theory study exploring facets of maternal response, and aspects of more and less supportive responses, to children who were sexually abused by the mother's intimate partner. Research revealed cultural and religious influences as affecting how mothers made meaning of the sexual abuse and the actions they took.…

Focuses on four potential stumbling blocks in the multicultural feminist couple treatment of African-American, lesbian, adult child sexual abuse survivors: gender roles; "coming out" to self, family, and the community; lesbian couple relationships; and the expression of lesbian sexuality. Proposes that these four potential barriers to…

Describes the occurrence of childhood Unwanted Sexual Attention (UWSA) and explores its relation to child sexual abuse (CSA). Findings suggest that UWSA is an almost universal experience for girls that causes significant anger and fear. Assessing UWSA will be important from a public health perspective in evaluating if such behaviors pose a risk…

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.…

Explores treatment interventions for female sexual abuse survivors through a pilot study examining the relationship between group treatment and adolescent self-image. Results revealed that participants who received group therapy increased in levels of impulse control and that the experimental group had a decrease in self-reliance whereas the…

Examines the differences between sexually abused and non-sexually abused adolescent females in the foster care system. The girls who had been sexually abused exhibited significantly more behavioral difficulties, including internalizing and externalizing problems. When co-occurrence of substance use and mental health problems were examined,…

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,…