Demographics cover the estimated incidence of child sexual abuse in the United States in 1984; the rate of increase over 1982-84; and the incidence by socioeconomic strata, race, and victim gender. Some prevalent characteristics of child sexual abuse victims are depressed or withdrawal, compliance and passivity, seductive behavior, lack of impulse control, lack of control over elimination functions, nightmares, phobias, and poor self-image. Regarding the taking of a history, the major purposes of the initial interview are to evaluate the allegations, assess the need for immediate protection of the child, and determine the need for other evaluations. The first phase of the interview should establish rapport with the child, and the second phase should elicit details of the abuse. In the final phase of the interview, child victims should be told the abuse was not their fault. The discussion of the physical examination covers the physical examination of girls, the physical examination of boys, and the colposcopy. The description of laboratory investigations lists the laboratory tests that should be considered and reviews rape kit instructions. Ongoing followup typically includes individual and family therapy. The discussion of the reliability of children's histories outlines criteria useful for assessing a child's reliability. 14 references.