Sexually abusive behaviours are common in a forensic psychiatric population, both before admission and while hospitalized. A survey of our medium security facility found that 41% of patients had a history of sexually abusive behaviours, ranging from convictions for sexual assault through to current episodes of sexual harassment. Most forensic…

In this article, the story of 11 male psychotherapeutic patients with low self-esteem is told within the context of the research process. The literature suggests that the concept of "self-esteem" has a significant influence on the way an individual experiences his/her world. Therefore, the meaning that the psychotherapeutic patients…

A sample of 10 female adolescent sex offenders, aged between 11 and 18 years, is studied. They constitute about one-sixth of all young women who were registered at the prosecutor's office in the Netherlands during the past 10 years. Information was gathered from psychological screenings carried out in relation to the sex offence. Most young women…

This article deals with human desperation at its worst--the desperation of children who, through no fault of their own, live lives few of us can imagine. They are child prostitutes. The impetus for this article came through the senior author's work with the Office of Disaster Prevention and Preparedness and Labor and Social Affairs (DPP-LSA) in…

The European Forum for Child Welfare (EFCW) is committed to promoting the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention's views underpin and influence the work program of the EFCW. The 1994 EFCW Conference concentrated on articles within the Convention whereby mobility within Europe may have a…

This facilitator's guide is part of an overall program developed as a resource for child and youth care workers and foster parents. Those using the facilitator's guide must possess considerable knowledge and training in the areas of child abuse, child welfare, child laws, human development, and group and family dynamics. Facilitators must be able…

This booklet offers information about sources of help for First Nations adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, particularly in Canada. It explains the definition of sexual abuse and describes the specifics of the law regarding such abuse. Descriptions of common aspects of childhood sexual abuse include quotes from adult survivors. Long-term…

This booklet is designed for those who want to make the college campus a safer environment for women. Specifically, it provides information to help make public and semi-public places safer and more comfortable for women, focusing on preventing sexual harassment and assault. The booklet introduces the safety audit and explains what the audit is…

This document contains guidelines developed by the Alberta Ministries of Social Services and Education to expedite the identification and treatment of child abuse. It contains discussions of child protection legislation, duty to report, the role of educators, and an integrated and cooperative approach to child abuse prevention. A section on…

This family life instructional unit is organized around five themes: (1) the importance of families; (2) human growth and development; (3) relationships and responsibilities; (4) sexual abuse prevention; and (5) promoting positive lifestyle practices. Approximately 16 age-appropriate lessons contain student objectives, suggested activities,…

Child abuse and neglect (CA&N), as a social and psychological phenomenon, represents a major area of concern internationally. This study examined the prevalence and self-reported effects of CA&N in Iran through a descriptive investigation of high school students' experiences. A sample consisting of 2,240 high school students representing 5…

This study assessed perceptions of child abuse by 133 Indian nationals representing either social workers, other human service professionals, or the general public. There were few variations in perceptions of the severity of different forms of abuse among groups. Cross-cultural comparison with a U.S. study indicated substantial differences. (DB)

A follow-up study examined two programs intended to prevent child sexual abuse: (1) Protective Behaviors (Australia), which develops assertiveness skills to empower children; and (2) Keeping Ourselves Safe (New Zealand), which uses "What if..." problem-solving exercises. Revealed the importance of providing a school-based program that is…

A study asked 980 women in the German-speaking part of Switzerland questions regarding psychosomatic well-being, sexual actions, and perpetrator strategies. Results indicate the use of strategies involving affection had a stronger effect than those based on force. Love-bargaining was more influential than self-blaming and the need for affection.…

Examines some reasons for the failure to protect young people in England and Wales from sexual abuse inherent in prostitution. Identifies characteristics of the child protection system which fit poorly for work with these youth. Argues that lasting improvement of these children's well-being depends on the creation of "joined-up,"…