An overview examines the nature and incidence of child sexual abuse. Papers on the evaluation of young children focus on developmental issues involved in interviewing, techniques for use in the assessment of suspected child sexual abuse, the medical interview and physical evaluation, techniques for interviewing and gathering evidence, and the psychological and physical effects of sexual abuse. Papers on social and legal considerations focus on issues related to child sexual abuse allegations in divorce proceedings, sociocultural considerations in child sexual abuse, and the disadvantages of videotaping of interviews and court testimony. Discussions of treatment of young children and families examine the treatment modalities, the family dynamics of incest with young children, the use of modified play therapy, parallel group treatment of children and their mothers, and approaches that parents should use in coping with molestation by someone outside the family. Implications for the future of assessment, treatment, training, prevention, and the response of various social institutions are also examined. Tables, drawings, resource lists, index, and 255 references.