Presents a critique of the preceding article. The article does not delve into the more technical aspects of proving and disproving the sexual abuse of children; however, it sets a feminist political context for the continuing public debate over child abuse. Theories for the current epidemic of child abuse are set forth. (JPS)

This commentary on a previous article (EC 619 261) about medical consequences of child sexual abuse urges prospective studies using large populations to evaluate many variables, as well as selection of projects which are most likely to influence practice or policy and thus affect significant numbers of persons. (DB)