In recent years cases of child sexual abuse have been occurring in increasing and alarming numbers. Even so, most helping professionals—physicians, police, social workers, mental health practitioners, and lawyers— receive little training in dealing with this problem. Containing a wealth of case examples and descriptive data, this thorough, empirically based guide is a valuable reference for all who encounter cases of child sexual abuse, and is essential for mental health professionals in particular.
The author, who has twenty years of clinical experience (including ten in child welfare), combines theory and practice, describing conceptual frameworks for differentiating types of sexual abuse and for understanding why it occurs.
Child Sexual Abuse addresses in great detail the processes for assessing the truth of an allegation of sexual abuse, the dynamics involved, and the prognosis for treatment. Every facet of this very complicated subject is closely studied, analyzed, and worked into suggestions for clinical practice. The book discusses at length the rationale and techniques for intervention of child sexual abuse cases. It describes in depth individual, dyadic, family, and group modes of treatment, emphasizing treatment approaches not covered in earlier publications. Guidelines for the use of legal intervention and the courts are furnished. The book also includes two chapters—one written by physicians, another by an attorney—that will be especially helpful to members of those professions.
The most complete book of its kind available, this manual will be indispensable to anyone who deals with or is interested in cases of child sexual abuse.