The literature on the abuse of children in public care is characterized by diversity, concentration upon sexual abuse, and by the fact that much of it has been produced within approximately the last 10 years. This review is characterized by the same three features, although it occasionally goes outside these confines in order to give some sense of the full scope of relevant literature. Within these areas there are at least four major themes in research on the abuse of children in public care: the extent and nature of abuse, investigation and prevention. In terms of the nature of cases, the literature has focused upon three areas: victim characteristics, abuser characteristics and abusers’ methods of operation. Preventative efforts should be concentrated on children (raising their self-esteem, increasing their contact with the community, and placing them nearer their home town); perpetrators (stop them from gaining employment in children’s institutions); staff (raise their awareness of child sexual abuse); and operations (improve the way institutions function and operate). References