Child sexual abuse includes offenses involving no touching as well as offenses involving touch. The incidence is high. Family members, friends of the family, neighbors, and acquaintances are most often the perpetrators. Most child sexual abuse occurs inside the family. Very few child molesters have a specific mental illness; sexual abuse is most often a symptom of severe problems in marriage, family, and life adjustment. People who suspect that a child is being sexually abused should report it; persons who report in good faith are granted immunity from civil and criminal court action even if the report proves to be mistaken. The majority of sexual offenses against children are not reported. Most mothers do report abuse as soon as they are aware of it. Symptoms of sexual abuse may include physical and behavioral signs as well as indirect comments made by the child. The parents have the entire responsibility for incest; the child is never at fault. The degree of physical and mental harm depends on the nature of the act, the child's age, and the child's general environment. Societal attitudes are the greatest barrier to preventing and treating child sexual abuse. 12 references and addressed from which to obtain further information