Information was collected on demographics, abuse characteristics (age, type of sexual abuse, and relationship to perpetrator), abuse discovery pattern (accidental versus purposeful), children's symptomatology, and child and familial factors. A standardized data abstraction form was developed specifically to facilitate the collection of information from case records. This form included the following symptoms: sexualized behavior, hyperactivity, bedwetting, sleep problems, anxiety, physical aggression, tantrums, depression, somatic complaints, regression, dissociation, post-traumatic play, verbal aggression, self-destructive behavior, and attention difficulties. Principal component analysis was used to reduce the number of symptoms and identify the major underlying constructs--acting out behaviors, aggressive behavior, and internalizing problems. Results indicated no differences between boys and girls in terms of victim age at the time of abuse, perpetrator's age, or identity of the perpetrator. However, boys and girls experienced different forms of abuse. Boys were more likely to experience fondling and oral and anal intercourse. The majority of boys and girls were abused by males, typically someone they knew (biological parent, parent figure, or relative). No differences were evident in the type of disclosure, but older children were more likely to self-disclose than younger children. Boys exhibited more developmental delays and aggressive symptoms than girls. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed, with emphasis on developmental factors in victimization. Recommendations for future research are offered that focus on the comparison of clinical and non-clinical control groups and on gender differences in adjustment and psychological disturbance following abuse. 52 references and 4 tables