Recent trends and changes in the literatures on rape, incest, and child sexual abuse are examined, as are the problems that make some of these works misleading. Additional chapters present current knowledge about the incidence and prevalence of rape, incest, and child sexual abuse and the historical and current explanations for these offenses. Additional chapters explore research findings about the consequences and the aftermath of sexual victimization, the issues involved in the process of recovering from sexual victimization, and the treatment of sexual assault trauma. Another chapter examines the prevention of sexual victimization, with emphasis on the need to address not only personal and interpersonal issues but also the influences of the community and the social structure. The analysis concludes that the language used to discuss this topic is critical and recommends improved treatment techniques, further research as the basis for education and prevention programs, the use of a recovery and coping perspective, and other actions. Tables, chapter notes, index, and approximately 500 references