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Sexual Abuse of Ethnic Minority Children: Identifying Dimensions of Victimization

NCJ Number
127897
Journal
Professional Psychology: Research and Practice Volume: 21 Issue: 5 Dated: special issue (October 1990) Pages: 338-343
Author(s)
G E Wyatt
Date Published
1990
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The article identifies and describes child sexual abuse as well as other dimensions of victimization that American ethnic minority children may encounter.
Abstract
Ethnic children need to be assessed for the presence of multiple forms of victimization because they are likely to experience institutional racism as well as exposure to violence, crime, and natural disasters. The four dynamics of the traumagenic dynamics model of child sexual abuse are discussed as they also pertain to racism. The four dynamics are traumatic sexualization, betrayal, stigmatization, and powerlessness. As health professionals become aware of the prevalence and effects of sexual abuse, the importance of examining the cumulative impact of other forms of victimization is increasing. How clinicians should evaluate the variety of victimization experiences that children may encounter concludes the article. 42 references (Author abstract modified)