Distinguishes between treatment process and outcome research. Suggests research questions that might be addressed, describing areas within process and outcome research that would be applicable to studying adult survivors of sexual abuse. Identifies methodological issues in these process and outcome research areas to which researchers must be…

Child abuse research has provided information on psychological sequelae of sexual molestation, with findings helpful in informing social policy and guiding mental health practice. Because of recency of interest, costs, and time investment associated with more rigorous longitudinal research, many studies have used correlational designs and…

Asserts that harmful nature of child sexual abuse and prevalence of abuse indicate a need for programs emphasizing prevention, detection, and reporting of assaults, and that such a comprehensive program is justified and should be a part of every school's curriculum. Discusses ways to overcome community resistance, conduct workshops for parents and…

Discusses problems experienced by adult women seeking therapy who were sexually abused as children. Gives a rationale for group treatment and explains the screening, selection, and structure of the therapy group. Presents a three-stage model for group treatment with this population. (Author/NB)

Reviews current definitions and research literature related to characteristics of adults who sexually victimize children. Presents discussion of pedophilia as a sexual deviation. Examines treatment issues that may confront counselors engaged in treating adults who sexually victimize children and discusses implications for practitioners. (Author/NB)

For the adult survivor of incest, the evolution from victim to survivor occurs in complex and creative ways. Often journal writing can be a means of exposing and exploring past abuse. The process of journal writing is special in that it allows the adult survivor to break the silence and shame imposed by the perpetrator while remaining essentially…

Addresses some of the social and legal barriers to successful prosecution of child sexual abuse cases, and to the child's effective participation in such cases. Discusses steps that can be taken to reduce, eliminate, or overcome those barriers. (Author/KH)

This report was written to clarify the terms often associated with pornography and to help readers understand the issue of pornography more clearly. The first chapter defines pornography, as it was defined by the United States Attorney General's Commission on Pornography, as "that material (which) is predominantly sexually explicit and intended…

Proposes model based on developmental psychopathology for conceptualizing effects of child sexual abuse. Argues that incest has negative effects on self and social functioning, by jeopardizing self-definition and integration, self-regulatory processes, and sense of security and trust in relationships. Reviews self and social development…

Examines parricide, the killing of one's parents, and its relationship to a history of child abuse. Presents profiles of parricide, considers the secrecy of child abuse, describes the psychology of parricide, discusses psychological abuse and emotional death, and examines the "child's voice." Stresses need for effective programs to…

In 1896, Sigmund Freud stated that early childhood seduction caused hysteria in his female patients. He later recanted his original finding and claimed that the reports of abuse he heard from his patients were not descriptions of real events, but his patients' expressions of unconscious childhood wishes. The theory of the Oedipal complex gave…

This document examines the sociological, psychological, and biological aspects of child abuse. It provides definitions of child abuse and historical perspectives of child abuse, the juvenile court system, and child sexual abuse. The psychology of the victim and of the offender is discussed, bibliotherapy is presented as one way of helping children…

This document is one of six discussion papers prepared for the Wisconsin Legislative Council's Special Committee on Crimes Against Children. The introduction explains the committee's task of conducting a thorough examination of state laws relating to crimes against children, reviewing major policy issues affecting those laws to determine whether…

Describes child abuse phenomenon and history of current public hysteria concerning child abuse. Discusses trend of high numbers of false reports of child abuse and neglect and need for counselors to be cognizant of problems of overzealous reporting, professionals looking for abuse in otherwise innocuous situations, and parents using accusations of…

Notes that sexual abuse of children is common and serious problem and that wide range of behavioral abnormalities have been linked to sexual and physical abuse. Notes that many symptoms also are seen in children with other disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Tourette syndrome. Presents case report of seven-year-old…