Reviews developmental sexual behavior of young children; intense preoccupation with sex is the most universal indicator of sexual abuse in children. School counselors are called upon to play a critical and unique role, including setting standards of practice for recording, referring, and coordinating cases. (Author/JDM)

This booklet provides a behavioral analysis of child molesters. The terms child molesters and pedophiles are defined and distinctions are drawn between the two. The second section develops a law enforcement typology differing from those of mental health professionals, focusing on pre-arrest behavior or pre-identification behavior of child…

In this article, theories of sexual abuse of children and treatment programs are reviewed. Familial patterns and signs of psychological distress are identified. (Author)

This statement, signed by 20 experts on child welfare and abuse, summarizes agreement regarding the current status of knowledge in investigation of child sexual abuse and identifies those areas in which further research remains necessary. The statement addresses behavioral indicators of abuse, interviewing child victims, the use of dolls and other…

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)

This fact sheet uses a question-and-answer format to summarize information on the sexual abuse of people with mental retardation. Questions and answers address the following topics: what sexual abuse is; the incidence of sexual abuse of people with mental retardation; why sexual abuse is so common among people with mental retardation; effects of…

This article discusses use of child interview data to decide whether or not a child has been sexually abused. It examines the role of child interview findings from a historical perspective, discusses the challenge of researching criteria indicative of a true allegation, reviews existing studies of child interview data, draws conclusions, and…

In cases of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, the perpetrator (generally the mother) simulates or fabricates child abuse in order to maintain an intense relationship with hospital personnel, police personnel, child protection workers, lawyers, or school personnel. A case involving law enforcement agents as a primary "target" illustrates…

Evidence suggests that sexual abuse has serious long-term effects; but specific effects, independent of force, threatened force, or family variables such as parental psychopathology, are not yet clarified. Effects among adults in terms of their relationship to sexual dysfunction, depression, anxiety, fear, multiple or borderline personality…

This paper on the behavioral manifestations of child sexual abuse first reviews previous research concerning child variables, parent/family variables, sexual abuse in combination with other maltreatment, and physiological outcomes. Criteria for future research are offered and specific research needs in the areas of developmental progression,…

This paper offers profiles of females with behavioral/emotional disorders and suggests that these young women have unique needs. The paper discusses selected characteristics and assessment considerations and offers recommendations that will facilitate more responsive social, correctional, and educational programming. Characteristics of these young…

Potential long-term effects of the trauma of severe sexual abuse on a child's sense of living in his/her body and in the world are explored. Trauma and dissociation are analyzed and linked to a posttraumatic sense of personal identity. Then dissociation, multiple personality disorder, eating disorders, somatization disorder, self-mutilation, and…

Estimates indicate that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been sexually abused as children. These statistics may be underestimated based on anecdotal information relayed by many therapists who specialize in working with survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Effects of childhood sexual abuse have far reaching implications for the survivors' abilities…