Child sexual abuse

Author(s)

• La Fontaine, J. S. (Jean Sybil)

Bibliographic Information

Child sexual abuse

Jean La Fontaine

（Family life series）

Polity Press, 1990

• :
• : pbk

Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. [235]-241) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Volume

: ISBN 9780745605609

Description

This new study presents a reappraisal of the problem of child sexual abuse. Assessing the myths and realities surrounding the abuser as well as the abused, La Fontaine aims to show how "explanations" such as the child's sexual behaviour, children's fantasies and the relationship between parents and children have been used to deny the occurrence of sexual abuse. By examining definitions of child sexual abuse in the law, definitions used by social workers, psychologists and by abused adults and children themselves, the author highlights the obstacles which abused children often face when trying to bring the abuse out into the open. The author looks at the consequences of abuse for family relations, the abused child and the child's future. Throughout the study she stresses how the burden of guilt is shifted on to the child by many of the agencies and people involved. In her conclusion, La Fontaine asks how we can determine and allocate responsibility in highly problematic circumstances.

Table of Contents

• Introduction - the Cleveland affair
• the nature of the problem
• the extent of the problem
• the victims
• the offenders
• natural and unnatural fathers - incest and the sexual abuse of children
• brothers and sisters
• what can be done?.

Volume

: pbk ISBN 9780745605616

Description

This challenging new study presents a reappraisal of the problem of child sexual abuse. Jean La Fontaine assesses the myths and realities surrounding the abuser as well as the abused. She shows how "explanations" such as the child's sexual behaviour, children's fantasies and the relationship between parents and children have been used to deny the occurrence of sexual abuse. By examining definitions of child sexual abuse in the law, definitions used by social workers, psychologists and by abused adults and children themselves, La Fontaine highlights the obstacles which abused children often face when trying to bring the abuse out into the open. The author looks at the consequences of abuse for family relations, the abused child and the child's future. Throughout the study she stresses how the burden of guilt is shifted on to the child by many of the agencies and people involved. In her conclusion, La Fontaine asks how we can determine and allocate responsibility in highly problematic circumstances. Finally she outlines strategies which will be of great interest to students and professionals in sociology, psychology, social work and all concerned with the protection of our children.

Table of Contents

• Introduction - the Cleveland affair
• the nature of the problem
• the extent of the problem
• the victims
• the offenders
• natural and unnatural fathers - incest and the sexual abuse of children
• brothers and sisters
• what can be done?.

by "Nielsen BookData"

Details

• NCID: BA10556573
• ISBN:
  • 0745605605
  • 0745605613
• LCCN: 89078236
• Country Code: uk
• Title Language Code: eng
• Text Language Code: eng
• Place of Publication: Cambridge, UK
• Pages/Volumes: viii, 248 p.
• Size: 22 cm
• Classification:
  • LCC : HQ71
  • DC20 : 362.7/6
• Subject Headings:
  • LCSH : Child molesting
• Parent Bibliography ID:
  • BA07524604