The workers' knowledge about sexual abuse is inadequate and superficial; intervention strategies are largely untested, complex, and not generalizable; and their work with taboo subjects is complicated by massive external social influence. Three attitude/perspective barriers to effective service with family sexual abuse are identified: (1l) social workers' narrow understanding of sexuality as a part of the human condition; (2) their lack of understanding of families as sexual systems; and (3) their reliance on an individual pathology model -- better known as the 'monster model' -- to understand family abuse. In the 'monster model,' fathers are viewed as monsters, mothers as colluders, daughters as victims, siblings as bystanders, others as irrelevant, and helpers as 'buttinskis.' This model, although prevalent, is not conducive to accurate assessment, prevalent, is not conducive to accurate assessment, precise treatment planning, or effective case management. The family systems model, which is used frequently today, should be considered as a replacement. Case workers should not try to asexualize the sexual abuse family; rather, they should help the family members establish sexuality as a normal and well functioning aspect of their family life. When social workers correct the weaknesses identified here, they will then be able to get on with their job of helping.