A New Zealand mail survey (n=1,376) and interviews (n=497) evaluated the long-term impact of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of female children surveyed as adults. Similarities in outcomes among the three forms of abuse were more apparent than differences, though sexual abuse was particularly associated with sexual problems, emotional abuse…

Analysis of interactions during 55 videotaped interviews of high-risk sex abuse cases found no support for the assumption that a credible disclosure of abuse must include the display of emotion by the child. Some behavioral differences between preschool and school-age children were found, but no gender differences. (Author/DB)

Interviews conducted with 602 youths at public health clinics revealed that a history of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or rape was related to engaging in a variety of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors and to a continuation or increase in the number of these behaviors between adolescence and young adulthood. (Author/JDD)

Analysis of the perceptions of 292 young adults regarding both psychologically, physically, and sexually abusive behaviors and supportive behaviors of parents found that gender of parent, child, and observer may affect young adults' perceptions of parental abusiveness and supportiveness. (DB)

This article presents a model approach for management of child sexual abuse data for centers that provide medical evaluations of suspected sexual abuse victims. Information and guidelines for developing a computer database and for efficient entry of the data by clinical personnel are outlined. (Author/JDD)

This commentary addresses implications of mothers' delayed posttraumatic stress disorder following the disclosure of sexual abuse of their children. These mothers, who themselves were sexually abused as children, may have significant psychopathology that may complicate their response to their children's psychological needs. (SW)

This meta-analysis found significant relationships between the experience of child sexual abuse and subsequent difficulties in psychological adjustment as measured by psychological symptomatology, depression, and self-esteem. Significant heterogeneity occurred across studies using different subject populations. Student samples consistently…

Examines the effects of rap music on the attitudes and behaviors of students in historically black colleges. Interviews with 38 females indicate that they find explicit lyrics inappropriate and harmful to society, but they feel that rap music accurately represents some of the realities of gender relations between black males and females. (SLD)

Examined influence of assault and participant characteristics on medical students' attitudes toward rape and nonsexual-assault victims. First- and third-year students read narratives of three types of assault patients. Female students revealed more favorable attitudes toward victims than did males. Implications for service delivery to rape victims…

The sexual victimization experiences of 677 college women were correlated with child and adolescent victimization, family and psychological adjustment, alcohol use, interpersonal functioning, and sexual behavior. Analyses indicated that the chances of being victimized increased with greater severity of previous victimization. (SLD)

Describes a pilot group developed to address the traumagenic stigmatization, powerlessness, betrayal, and sexualization that characterize victims of sexual abuse. Treatment modules developed within this framework focused on: group cohesiveness, discussion of specific abuse experiences, coping strategies, sexuality, victimization prevention, and…

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)

Psychosocial, psychosomatic, and psychodynamic factors were evaluated in 33 female psychiatric patients who had been victims of incest. Sexual abuse experiences in childhood were related to feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and powerlessness, which, with a lack of support from the mother, led to ego weakness, and an autoplastic model of coping…

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…

Offers guidelines for use in questioning children about incidents of sexual abuse. Guidelines concern children's cognitive capabilities, social and emotional responses, and language abilities. Includes the story of a 4.5-year-old girl who was questioned in court. (BB)