Current incidence data for child sexual abuse are obtained from victim reports, abuser reports, and general public surveys. Each source has its flaws, but the public surveys hold the most promise for improving data accuracy. Meanwhile, the best estimate is that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 7 boys have experienced some type of sexual abuse before age 18. The effects of such abuse can only be reliably determined through short-term and long-term analysis of a representative sample of victims. This has not yet been done. Findings from limited studies thus far suggest that child victims experience such short-term effects as anxiety, fear, sleep disturbances, bedwetting, lowered self-esteem, and antisocial behavior, depending on a combination of factors. Although many child victims do not experience significant debilitating effects as adults, others are vulnerable to low self-esteem, depression, sexual maladjustment, and mistrust in relationships. Some promising treatments to relieve victimization effects are group and individual therapy and self-help approaches. 25 references.