Traditional theoretical approaches tended to emphasize the mother's contribution to the incestuous relationship. Freud denied the frequency and significance of incest and this legacy has permeated the training of psychiatrists and other mental health professionals. Systems theory expanded the circle of blame associated with incest; while daughters were no longer blamed for their victimization, system theorists began to focus on dysfunctional family processes and marital discord, thereby shifting partial responsibility to the mother. In this context, mothers were characterized either as collusive or as too weak and passive to prevent the abuse. This belief in maternal collusion was reflected in a survey of attitudes and beliefs of 200 social workers. Feminist theory provided a new context for conceptualizing the sexual abuse of girls. This analysis placed the family within the larger sociohistorical context and recognized the inherent inequality of power in all social institutions, including marriage. Therefore, sexual abuse was seen as occurring in the context of male dominance and power inequities inherent in this society and reproduced within the family. The first priority of intervention must be to ensure the safety and treatment of the victim; when treatment for the father is recommended, it should predicated on his accepting responsibility for his actions. Primary prevention must deal with issues such as power inequities and sexual exploitation both within and outside the home. 11 references