Based on clinical observation of 42 adolescent child molesters, proposes that adolescent child molester universally engages in defense processes of distortion and lying to avoid consequences of acknowledging offense. Presents theoretical rationale as to function and origin of processes, outlining six specific denial strategies which are common…

This issue, containing a special report on abuse, contains stories by sexually abused youth and an abusing parent. The stories emphasize the difficulty children have being believed when they finally decide to share their problems; the difficulties they have getting help; and the fact that, even if the abuse is stopped, there are no simple, happy…

Urges use of familial context of adolescent sex offender as necessary direction to take when treating denial suppression among offenders and their families. Notes that families can contribute to or refuse to support denial of adolescents. Discusses some reasons for denial in the adolescent and his family and presents some transcripts of case…

The purpose of this article is to analyze current theories about childhood sexual behavior, differentiate between normal and problem childhood sexual behavior, and propose some alternatives for sex education in the schools. (IAH)

Notes that adolescent sexual abusers face developmental issues different from those of adults. Argues that specific needs of adolescent sexual abuser cannot by fully understood by simply extrapolating knowledge derived from work with adult perpetrators. Discusses importance of developmental issues facing adolescent perpetrator of sexual abuse and…

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)

Contends that many popular films depict sexual abuse of males as humorous, thereby fostering culture of violence. Considers humorous portrayals of male sexual abuse in comedy films and videos, locates these portrayals in social context, and discusses potential harm they cause male victims. Includes summaries of nine films made since 1982 which…

This paper reviews the literature on the sexual victimization of adolescent males, with emphasis on victim selection factors and strategies. A letter written by a middle-aged man to entice a teenage boy into sexual activity is then presented and analyzed. (DB)

Dating violence can be described as a pattern of repeated threats or acts of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by a member of an unmarried, noncohabitating couple. Dating violence is most often a pattern of behavior that begins with verbal and emotional abuse and eventually escalates into physical battering. Teens are particularly at risk…

A high school teacher shares the stories of two of her at-risk students who are working to overcome their problems through her support and their resilience. The teacher states that her life will forever be changed for the better because of these courageous survivors. (Author/MKA)

Attachment theory is applied to identify systemic patterns encouraging juveniles to commit sexual offenses. The role of the helping system in perpetuating offenses is reviewed. The priority of family integrity and the role of professionals in breaking cycles of abuse and repairing earlier destructive emotional attachments are discussed. (EMK)

In March 2003, "Psychological Science" published an article by Goodman and colleagues examining memory for prior childhood abuse in a sample of adolescents and young adults who as children had been the victims of childhood abuse that led to criminal prosecution. At the time of the prosecution cases, the children in this study had been part of a…

Examines comments on a vignette describing a teenage female victim, the perpetrator, and the nature of abuse. Results support the position that victims of child sexual abuse may be stigmatized as a result of their experience, and the likelihood of this may vary among cultural groups. Suggests clinicians assess culturally related attitudes of…

This comment on an article by A. J. Cooper rejects the suggestion that a mentally retarded youth's playing of a "sexual game" with a child may be innocuous. Cooper reaffirms that such "sex offending" is usually merely a crude attempt to fulfill normal sexual impulses in the context of poor adaptive behavior skills, sexual naivety, and social…

Profiles of adolescent female offenders in the literature suggest that these women have unique needs. Descriptions of selected characteristics and assessment considerations were synthesized from relevant research. Recommendations are discussed that propose changing educational programming in order to meet the specific needs of these adolescents.…