Child sexual abuse: awareness and backlash

Future Child. 1994 Summer-Fall;4(2):224-32.

Abstract

This article reviews the historical development of awareness about child sexual abuse and the counterreaction that this increasing awareness has often triggered. In particular, Conte discusses the current backlash against awareness of child sexual abuse, a reaction that he describes as characterized by extreme positions with lack of supporting data and near total rejection of knowledge and experiences of child sexual abuse. He urges all those who work professionally in the area of child sexual abuse to ensure that their opinions and actions are based on sound research and directed toward improving the lives of abused children.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / prevention & control*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Culture
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • United States