Child Abuse Literature Review

Kremer, I., PhD., Orbach, I., PhD., & Rosenbloom, T., Ph.D. (2013). Body image among victims of sexual and physical abuse. Violence and Victims, 28(2), 259-73. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/1348128834?accountid=38769

Abuse of women and children is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon as reflected through its many diverse definitions. Physical abuse may include beating, slapping, kicking, burns, threats with a weapon, and destruction of a loved object or pet (Straus, 1988). In contrast, sexual abuse may include rape, forced intercourse, attempted rape, unwanted sexual acts that do not include penetration, the threat of bodily harm in response to refusing sex (Straus, 1988). Physical and sexual abuse are usually committed

This review examines research on the characteristics of child victims and perpetrators of CSA. It describes evidence-based approaches to assessment and treatment of both groups of children. A selective review of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and other databases was undertaken. Recommendations are made for clinical practice and future research. The characteristics of CSA victims are well known and those of juvenile perpetrators of sexual abuse are becoming recognized. Assessment approaches for both groups of children should be delivered within a safeguarding context where a risk to victims is minimized. Risk assessment instruments should be used only as adjuncts to a full clinical assessment. Given high levels of psychiatric comorbidity, assessment, treatment, and other interventions should be undertaken by mental health trained staff. Victims and perpetrators of CSA present challenges and opportunities for professional intervention. Their complex presentations mean that their needs should be met by highly trained staff. However, their youth and developmental immaturity also give an opportunity to nip problem symptoms and behaviors in the bud. The key is in the earliest possible intervention with both groups. Future research should focus on long-term adult outcomes for both child

The purpose of this article is to review the domains found in the literature on survivors' experiences regarding disclosure of child sexual abuse during adulthood, all of which were published between 1980 and 2013. Domains include decisions to disclose during adulthood, barriers, and facilitators to disclosure and potential recipients of the disclosure, as well as the process of telling and its impact on survivors'