The extent of child sexual abuse by women is unknown, since both male and female victims rarely disclose such abuse. Clinical evidence, however, suggests the incidence of such abuse among survivors of childhood abuse ranges from 10 to 39 percent. Sexual abuse occurs when the sexually related behaviors stimulate shame, guilt, or rage in the child and leave a lasting negative impact on the survivor. Types of sexual abuse can include chargeable offenses such as oral sex, intercourse, and masturbation; less flagrant offenses such as voyeurism, exposure, and seductive touching; privacy invasions in a sexual area of the body; and inappropriate relationships such as substituting the son for an absent husband. Effects of the victimization may include internalization of the shame and guilt of the offending female, a false feeling of power, feelings of worthlessness, a sense of betrayal and abandonment, rage, fear and insecurity, and conflict and ambivalence about sex and women. Preventive measures involve education of children and parents, raising inner awareness about the impact of parent-child interactions, and the development of a cultural consciousness that emphasizes equality between men and women. 2 references and 6 suggested readings