Synthesizes and critically reviews emerging data on family variables and adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The contribution of family variables, such as disturbed interaction patterns, in producing vulnerability to later distress in this population are addressed, as well as the clinical implications of emerging findings related to these…

Data on sexual violence at colleges are reviewed briefly, and strategies for reducing such violence are outlined, focusing on techniques to discourage sexual aggression in male students. The author draws on experience in giving workshops to student groups. Academic advisors are urged to be active in addressing the problem. (MSE)

Anatomically detailed dolls have become a most popular clinical tool in the validation of child sexual abuse allegations. However, widespread use of these dolls is not supported by empirical literature. Issues associated with the standardization of the dolls, norms for their use in validation interviews, and training of doll users need to be…

Outlines and discusses the rationale for each of the 10 steps recommended in the initial stages of treatment for survivors of sexual abuse, especially when victimization occurred in childhood or adolescence, and offers abbreviated case illustrations. (Author/LKS)

Focuses on the issues that arise when school professionals are required to report child abuse and neglect. Reviews the duties and immunities arising under state reporting statutes and the reporting practices and perceptions of school staff. Recommends an increase in staff education and federal establishment of the scope of the definition of child…

This article reviews research on children's development of cognition, memory, and language; development of knowledge about the legal system; developmental and motivational factors influencing children's willingness to make sexual abuse reports in legal settings; reports of abusive touch; and strategies used to prepare children for medical…

Though no identifiable demographic or family characteristics of a child exclude the possibility that a child has been sexually abused, some characteristics are associated with greater risk: female gender, preadolescents and early adolescents, having a stepfather, living without a natural parent, having an impaired mother, poor parenting, or…

Summarizes important advances in clinical knowledge regarding mental health counseling processes and outcomes of treatment as appeared in four major journals in 1994. Findings are summarized by topic and implications for practice are provided. Delineates current lines of inquiry. (EMK)

Describes the factors that influence children's competence when they are being interviewed about sexual abuse and discusses ways in which investigative interviewers can maximize the quality and quantity of information they obtain from alleged witnesses and victims. Strategies for developing rapport and eliciting factual information are described.…

Examines the use of the couple relationship to address the effects of childhood sexual abuse of one or both of the partners, discusses the issues facing couples, and presents therapeutic guidelines for working with such couples. Reviews related work in the field and methods for treating couples facing other traumas. Reviews available resources.…

Due to cultural and linguistic misunderstandings, racism, and even homophobia, sexual abuse is frequently mishandled by professionals working with minority populations. Research and multiculturalism have led to advances in understanding sexual abuse in its various contexts. The complicated issues which surround such abuse, in nine different…

This paper presents the findings of a single case study of a particular board of education's decision-making process in a crisis situation, and explores interpretation of those findings from two theoretical perspectives. The crisis resulted from the charges against and conviction of the superintendent for a sexual assault on a 17-year-old female…

The harmful effects of sexual abuse on children are no longer debatable, yet adequate legal action and protective services often are not provided for child and adolescent victims. With the rate of confirmed child sexual abuse victims escalating to more than 350,000 cases per year, the role of schools in meeting the specific needs of these children…

Conceptual dimensions of child abuse are discussed from an international perspective, including intentionality, societal versus individual causation, and personhood of the child. The article enumerates specific types of child abuse and neglect, suggests categories of children at risk for maltreatment, and proposes an international strategy for…

Educators' roles in identification of abused/neglected children, subsequent reporting, and techniques for interviewing suspected abused children are discussed. Educators' expanded role in abuse prevention, involving such activities as offering courses in parenting, child safety/protection, and human sexuality, is examined, followed by a…