Everson and Faller's (2012) article on the significance of sexualized behavior in child sexual abuse assessments critiques a chapter by Poole and Wolfe (2009), but their objections assumed conclusions and practice implications that were not contained in that chapter. In this comment, I reiterate the value of educating adults about normative sexual…

By means of an ethnographic project, Sarah Goode's Understanding and Addressing Adult Sexual Attraction to Children aspires to better understand the self-conception and self-identification of pedophiles, with the ultimate aim of deconstructing the phenomenon by which culture demonizes pedophiles in order to better protect children. However, the…

This article presents a commentary on "Making the Most of Information-Gathering Interviews With Children," in which, according to Jones, Larsson and Lamb provided a helpful overview on memory retrieval and communicative ability and on ways these may be fostered in interviews with children. They explored three interview protocols that have been…

Criticizes justifications given by pedophiles for having sex with children, including an analysis of "sexual desire" and "erotic." Raises the question of whether pedophile activities can ever be morally permissible. Uses principles of mutual consent and non-exploitation to answer negatively. Examines whether pedophile desires…

In the UK, the discourse of innocence currently prevails as a major way of understanding children. This article argues that the strength of this discourse lies in its prevalence, its resistance to challenges and the ways in which it connects ideas of innocence and vulnerability. The moral quality of the discourse of innocence works in conjunction…

Explains many sexually abused children are denied justice because of their age, because they may not be able to describe the assaults, and because social systems may not know how to respond. Comments on statutes of limitations and their impact on the opportunity of survivors to seek justice. (Author/JDM)

Study analyzed interviews to identify children's terminology of private body parts and sexual abuse activity. "Touching" was the most frequently used term in describing sexual parts and/or sexual abuse. Children's choice of words can imply various meanings; the interview should clarify the meaning of slang terms. Recommends interviewers use "what"…

Comments on the research reported by Goodman and others in this monograph. Maintains that society is justified in asking children to testify. Modifications of traditional methods of testifying in cases involving testimony by children are warranted. A unified family court system would reduce the psychological trauma of children. (BC)

This commentary discusses results and implications of the research reported by Goodman and others in this monograph. Topics include (1) long-term effects of testimony on children's adjustment; (2) witnesses' perceptions of justice in the legal system; and (3) the need for special procedures in child abuse cases. (BC)

The issues raised by Jonker and Jonker-Bakker and Young et al (EC 601 187-188) illustrate a major controversy dividing the child abuse community, the alleged existence of a conspiracy of satanic, ritual, sexual abuse of children. No evidence is found to support claims that large numbers of babies and children are being sacrificed or abused in…

Sexual abuse of children has been recognized as a major problem. Attempts have been made to elicit descriptions of the abuse of children. A variety of interview methods for obtaining descriptions have been used. Methods of interviewing depend on the age of the child, the purpose of the interview, and the training and philosophy of the interviewer.…

This article addresses the disabled child's particular vulnerability to child abuse and exploitation. Roles for schools and parents are described in detail along with specific signs of abuse. Stressed is the need to provide disabled children with accurate information on sexual abuse and with the necessary skills to protect themselves. (Author/VW)

The law enforcement perspective concerning the credibility and truthfulness of allegations of ritual child sexual abuse is discussed. The differences in levels of proof needed by parents, therapists, social workers, and police are described. (BRM)

Article aims to draw a balanced conclusion about trauma and memory from current information on repressed memories. Research suggests that (1) emotion impacts memory, (2) psychogenic amnesia can result from unusual levels of trauma, and (3) delayed memories are prone to errors. Inaccuracies in traumatic memories occur more often in peripheral…

Distills the essence of Freud's thinking about incest, placing it within the context of childhood sexuality. Discusses clinical and research implications concerning the relationship between sexual trauma and emotional disturbances. Raises questions requiring further investigation. (NH)