A group of 369 sexually abused children and a comparison group of 318 children from the community were compared. Data from a 38-item symptom checklist completed by the child's social worker was also used for each sexually abused child. Using a score based on the symptom checklist as a measure of the impact of sexual abuse, 15 variables were in the final regression equation explaining 42 percent of the variance in impact. Using a score based on parent-generated data, five variables were in the final equation explaining 20 percent of the variance. Identification of the sources of variation should lead to more exact and individual treatment of victims of abuse. 5 tables and 12 references. (Author abstract modified)