Findings show that adolescents of both sexes are liable to be defined as victims in circumstances in which they would not consider themselves as such. Sexual approaches to children by adults are surprisingly frequent according to victim surveys, but these are often of a trivial, inconsequential nature, especially where boys are concerned. This accounts for the seemingly alarming statistics of sexual abuse sometimes quoted; nevertheless, in the case of young girls, even the mildest examples of indecency sometimes result in lasting emotional disturbance. The needs of victims are often not properly met. The importance for the child of some casual encounter with a nonviolent but sexually predatory adult can be overestimated. Exaggerated reactions from parents, followed by police interrogation, can be more distressing than the actual incident and give no reassurance. The reluctance of many children to disclose such incidents reflects an intuitive anticipation that adult responses would be upsetting. For adult victims, support schemes and rape crisis centers may provide the practical help and counseling, which is all that is needed in many cases. The most important conclusion from a criminological approach to the problem of sexual victimization is to call attention to the wide range of situations involved and the necessity for a discriminating response. 8 references