Basic human respect compels everyone to ask about the effect of the current policies to prevent further abuse on family members of those who have abused. Sadly, only a handful of researchers are examining the effects of policies on the affected parties, such as victims, the abusers themselves, or their families. No one yet has asked a random…

This exploration of the dynamics and developmental consequences of child abuse begins with a definition of child abuse and a discussion of child sexual abuse. After a description of the incidence of child abuse, the consequences of abuse--including health and emotional problems, and neuro-developmental disabilities--are discussed. Further…

Discusses legal and psychological issues involved in erroneous reporting of child abuse. Addresses whether the child protection field will have the vision and initiative to address the problem proactively from within or whether regulation and restriction of activity will be imposed from without. Explores ideas to make child abuse detection more…

This paper reviews the clinical and empirical literature regarding mother-son sexual abuse and critiques the methodologies that may be responsible for the underreporting of such cases. The review reveals discrepancies regarding estimates of incidence and prevalence of mother-son sexual abuse based on traditional methodologies such as surveys,…

The study examining records of 370 children seen by a Child Protection Service Unit found 41 (11 percent) were involved in custody/access disputes. Of these cases 31 were females, sexual abuse was alleged for 34 and physical abuse for 7, and more than half were under 4 years of age. (DB)

The reported low incidence of child sexual abuse in Hong Kong is discussed in terms of cultural taboos, low level of awareness among professionals, and cultural attitudes of absolute authority of parents over children. Three case reports reflect the impact of these influences. (DB)

Reviews the historical development of awareness about child sexual abuse and examines the counterreaction, or backlash, that this increasing awareness has triggered. The author urges professionals working in child sexual abuse to make sure that their opinions and actions are based on sound research and are directed toward improving the lives of…

This paper describes the Aboriginal culture and lifestyle from precolonization to the present, notes the problem of child abuse which developed after colonization, cites instances in which the judicial system has been sympathetic toward perpetrators and not victims of sexual abuse, and examines possible solutions to the problem. (JDD)

This commentary discusses the decline in sexual abuse, citing research that indicates differences in self-reported sexual abuse across age-cohorts in a population-based sample of Australian adults. Similar declines in Ireland and the United States are also noted. The usefulness of self-report surveys for examining trends in child victimization is…

This paper posits that maltreatment of children in Nigeria finds support in Nigerian cultures that permit and encourage such acts. The paper discusses sexual abuse; emotional abuse; child labor; variabilities within subcultures, social classes, and rural/urban settings; sociocultural factors precipitating abuse and neglect; and the role of adult…

This paper examines one of the chief problems in the ongoing debate about the nature and prevalence of the various memory mechanisms that may operate in determining whether a victim/survivor of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) will have delayed recall of the victimization. One of the key problems in the debate about delayed or suppressed memory of…

Media attention and public concern focused on child sexual abuse in day care have presented early childhood educators with opportunities to educate parents, the public, and the media about child sexual abuse and quality child care. This paper provides information concerning the sexual abuse of children in day care settings. Topics addressed…

This review of cultural attitudes and case studies proposes that the incidence of sexual abuse of male and female children by women is underestimated and that the changing roles of men and women in Western societies may lead to an increase in such abuse. (Author/DB)

Examines the results of a two-year nationwide study of actual sexual abuse incidents occurring in a child care center or family day care home. Study sheds light on issue of comparative risk of abuse in a child's own home versus in a child care placement. Offers some good recommendations for reducing the opportunity for sexual abuse within a…

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,"…