U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Common Secret - Sexual Abuse of Children and Adolescents

NCJ Number
95875
Author(s)
R S Kempe; C H Kempe
Date Published
1984
Length
287 pages
Annotation
Child and adolescent sexual abuse is introduced in nontechnical language to concerned laypeople.
Abstract
Two physicians present basic concepts in the field and relate their own experiences and views. Child sexual abuse is defined, and its incidence is discussed. Categories of sexual abuse include incest, pedophilia, exhibitionism, molestation, statutory rape and rape, child prostitution, and child pornography. Extrafamilial sexual abuse and intrafamilial sexual abuse -- incest -- are discussed separately; although the sexual activities are essentially the same, the circumstances and relationships can be very different. Legal aspects of the problem are described, with variations noted among States. A planned approach to comprehensive first aid for the child and the child's family after sexual abuse is outlined. Evaluation and treatment of the abused child are described. Thoughts on prediction and prevention are also outlined. Case examples appear as illustrations throughout the book. Appendixes contain a model criminal diversion program, forms for evaluation and case records, and educational materials on child sexual abuse. References are listed at the end of each chapter, and an index is included.