Citation

Cantwell HB. Child Abuse Negl. 1981; 5(2): 75-85.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1981, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

287 children involved in sexual abuse are reviewed. All were reported in Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., in 1979. Specific attention is given to the origin of the report of cases later determined to be unfounded. Sibling sexual involvement is examined, particularly with reference to the age differential. Perpetrators are categorized as fathers, stepfathers, mother's "boyfriend," relatives or family friends. These in turn are related to the ages of the children involved. Attention is given to the frequency with which the victimized child had reported the incident(s) months to years before it was reported to an agency. In 50% of the cases the victimized children are under 12 years of age, and in 15% of the cases they are under 6 years of age. Suggestions are made regarding detection and preventive measures, particularly in the history-taking phase of the pediatrician-patient relationship and in vaginal physical findings.