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Child Abuse: Opposing Viewpoints

NCJ Number
159823
Editor(s)
D Bender, B Leone
Date Published
1994
Length
288 pages
Annotation
The protection of children from abuse is a common thread in this compilation of opposing viewpoints on whether child abuse is a serious problem, child abuse causes, child sexual abuse, how the legal system should respond to child abuse, and child abuse prevention.
Abstract
The articles examine the extent of child abuse, whether child abuse requires increased government intervention, child sexual abuse accusations against divorced parents, child memories of abuse, the connection between drug addiction and child abuse, links between poverty and violence and child abuse, and the role of family history and other contributing factors in child abuse. In addition, articles focus on the exposure of Boy Scouts to sexual abuse, the Satanic ritual abuse of children, and child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. Articles also cover child testimony in the courtroom, whether child abuse cases should have extended statutes of limitation, the need for more crisis intervention centers and family preservation programs, the education of children and adults about abuse, corporal punishment, and the imprisonment of child sexual abusers. References, tables, and figures