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Child Exploitation - A Study of Child Pornography

NCJ Number
95539
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry Volume: 19 Dated: (1980) Pages: 289-299
Author(s)
U C Schoettle
Date Published
1980
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article presents a case study of a pubescent girl involved in a child pornography ring, and similarities and differences between pornography and other forms of sexual abuse are discussed. Dynamic and treatment issues are examined as well.
Abstract
The incidence of child abuse in the United States is estimated to be 375 identified cases per 1,000,000 general population, and the incidence of sexual abuse of children ranges from 8 to 25 percent of all cases of child abuse. The photographed illegal sexual interaction between children and other children and between children and adults is unique to child pornography. However, children seem to experience the most profound emotional traumas because of the fear of exposure and the tension of keeping the act a secret. A case study is presented of a 12-year-old girl who participated in a child pornography ring for 3.5 years. She complained of feeling guilty about her involvement with the ring, and denied having pleasureable feelings during the sexual interactions. In initial therapy sessions, she frequently recounted affection for one of the male ring members, whom she described as 'fatherlike.' She also exhibited role confusion: she was proud of her shaved legs, but feared the onset of menses; she desired children, but abhorred marriage. Three treatment phases for children involved in pornography are identified: (1) the flood of emotion and relief that the secret has ended, (2) the child's relationship with parents, and (3) the resumption of the child's normal developmental processes. The need to address countertransference throughout the treatment is emphasized. Forty-seven references are included.