This overview covers misconceptions about the sexual abuse of children. A systematic approach is described for assessing whether a child has been molested and, if so, the extent of trauma produced. Psychological effects of sexual trauma, key symptoms present in abused children, and procedures for conducting initial interviews with children and parents are addressed. Details are provided on the treatment of sexual abuse victims, for cases in which a therapist has been asked to provide treatment and cases in which an existing treatment process must be altered because sexual abuse has been revealed. The treatment of the child victim and other affected family members is examined, as well as therapy goals, family reactions, parental denial, emotionally impoverished families, and therapist-family relationships. Research and theoretical work pertinent to incest is reviewed, along with short-term and long-term effects of molestation on boys in particular. Legal and ethical considerations are described which focus on child abuse reporting, the importance of therapist recordkeeping, court procedures, the criminal process, trials, and civil suits. 159 references, 2 figures.