The reasons why boys who are victims of incest remain silent are explored in terms of the special meaning of victimization to males. Males' inability to express helplessness and vulnerability is identified as a major contributing factor. (CM)

Based on an examination of key elements of criminal law, this article argues that child abuse is best prevented and treated through civil proceedings rather than criminal action. (SS)

This historical review recounts the case of Emily Thompson, a New York City child abused in 1871, in which Henry Bergh, an animal rights advocate, intervened. The perpetrator was found guilty but the child was sent back to the same abusive home. The case is seen as seminal in the early history of the child protection movement. (DB)

Lauds the efforts of those involved in the international conference on child sexual abuse, citing a dearth of information and conflicting opinions in the field. The author supports his contention of lack of consensus by discussing reactions to Michael Jackson's child sexual abuse litigation by mental health professionals. (JPS)

States that concerns about the consensus statement of the international conference on child sexual abuse need to be directed at interpretation of the statement rather than at the statement itself. This is particularly true in view of the likely effects the statement will have on legal proceedings. (JPS)

This editorial addresses principles of risk assessment in child abuse cases by professionals in child protection work. It notes that the essence of risk assessment is predicting whether the child will be maltreated at some future point in time. It also introduces four articles concerning different aspects of the risk assessment process. (DB)

According to these authors, it is correct to assume that mental health professionals, including psychologists, may not have adequate literature that provides an evidence-informed basis for making decisions about a parent's contact with a child whom he/she has sexually molested. Indeed, there are several sources of information that may negatively…

Although the propensity for child abuse is shared among adults of all occupations and economic strata, this article is concerned mainly with child care professionals. Whatever the case may be, the result is the same: tragic violation of the trust that should exist between child and adult. What can be done to correct the situation? In this article…

In previous eras, teacher training institutions included programs designed to enhance the moral qualities of prospective teachers. With the exception of programs offered in denominational teacher training colleges, such programs have largely ceased to exist. This article advances the argument against a backdrop of increasing incidents of abuse of…

The statement reviews experience of the Department of Justice with cases of child abuse in institutions, discusses the extent of the problem, and proposes some remedies for prevention of abuse of institutionalized children. The decisions of four court cases in three states are reported to demonstrate the type of child abuse occurring in…

Discusses two questions raised by sexually abused children's involvement in the legal system: competency to testify; and procedural and evidentiary reforms to protect child witnesses. Reviews relevant psychological research. Recommends that children be permitted to testify without prior qualification. (Author/BH)

The history of child pornography photography is briefly reviewed and the current problem is examined and partially attributed to the profit motive. The authors urge changing child abuse reporting statutes to include photofinishing laboraties. (CL)

The paper discusses the optimal conditions for the provision of infant mental health services. The pediatric setting is emphasized as the natural locus for the integration of such preventive services and as the first and often sole contact of parents and infants with professionals. (Author/DB)

Provides an overview of current knowledge in the areas of child abuse, wife battering, and elder abuse. Points out the need to go beyond individual explanations of the problem and look to the family and larger social values and institutions for a broader perspective. (Author/JOW)

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)