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Becker-Blease, K., Friend, D. & Freyd, J.J. (2006) ‘Child Sex Abuse Perpetrators Among Male University Students’, Scholars’ Bank [online], http://hdl.handle.net/1794/4318, Date accessed 15/10/2021.
Becker-Blease, Friend, and Freyd (2006) conducted a study examining the prevalence of child sexual abuse and individuals with the potential to become offenders. They performed this research using a sample of 531 male undergraduate students. In this study, participants were asked about their childhood experiences of abuse, any offenses they may have committed, and their sexual fantasies.
The findings revealed that 18% of the participants reported having sexual fantasies involving child sexual abuse, and 8% admitted to masturbating to these fantasies. Furthermore, 4% of the sample indicated that there was a certain likelihood they might engage in sexual activity with a child. In comparison, 2.5% reported having committed a sexual offense against a child at least once. These results suggest that a higher percentage of participants admitted to having fantasies about child sexual abuse compared to previous studies, and it is speculated that this increase may be attributed to the greater accessibility of child pornography on the Internet.
Beitchman, J.H., Zucker, K.J., Hood, J.E., DaCosta, G.A., Akman, D. & Cassavia, E. (1992) ‘A review of the long-term effects of child sexual abuse’, Child Abuse & Neglect, Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 101-118.
The research conducted by Beitchman, Zucker, Hood, DaCosta, Akman, and Cassavia (1992, pp. 101-118) examines the lasting impacts of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) by synthesizing data from 32 studies involving a total of 10,859 participants. These studies collectively reported a prevalence rate of 29% for CSA. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that this figure is relatively high because many of the studies specifically targeted individuals who had experienced childhood sexual abuse or those belonging to groups with a higher CSA prevalence, such as individuals incarcerated for CSA offenses.
The findings of this comprehensive analysis indicated that adults who had experienced childhood sexual abuse exhibited elevated rates of both mental and physical dysfunction. Specifically, they were more prone to experiencing sexual dysfunction, depression, anxiety, intrusive and fearful thoughts, and even suicidal ideation. Additionally, the research noted a heightened inclination toward homosexuality among this group of survivors.
Briere, J. & Runtz, M. (1987) ‘Post Sexual Abuse Trauma Data and Implications for Clinical Practice’, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 367-379.
The study conducted by Briere and Runtz (1987, pp. 367-379) delves into the aftermath of trauma following sexual abuse and its implications for clinical practice. This study focused on a clinical sample comprising 152 adult women who sought help at a health crisis center. The research revealed that a substantial 44% of these women reported a history of childhood sexual victimization.
Furthermore, the study uncovered significant associations between childhood sexual victimization and a range of adverse outcomes, including increased levels of dissociation, sleep disturbances, heightened tension, sexual difficulties, and anger. Additionally, individuals with a history of sexual victimization were more likely to rely on psychoactive medications, exhibit a predisposition towards suicide attempts, struggle with substance addiction, and experience repeated victimization. These findings underscore the profound and far-reaching effects of childhood sexual abuse on survivors.
Briere, J. & Runtz, M. (1990) ‘Differential adult symptomatology associated with three types of child abuse histories’, Child Abuse & Neglect, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 357-364.
The research conducted by Briere and Runtz (1990, pp. 357-364) investigates the retrospective reports of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) among female university students. It explores its impact on self-esteem, levels of aggression, and sexual behavior. Several key findings emerged in this study, which involved 277 female students in the United States.
The study revealed that individuals who reported experiencing psychological childhood sexual abuse tended to have lower self-esteem. On the other hand, those who had experienced physical childhood sexual abuse were more likely to exhibit higher levels of aggression and engage in maladaptive sexual behaviors. These results concluded that “various forms of child abuse have distinct and overlapping effects on later psychosocial functioning” (Briere & Runtz, 1990, p. 361).
Chase, E. & Statham, J. (2005) ‘Commercial and sexual exploitation of children and young people in the UK—a review’, Child Abuse Review, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 4-25.
This article scrutinizes the issue of commercial and sexual exploitation of children within the United Kingdom by examining recent pertinent information and data. Chase and Statham (2005) specifically concentrate on three key aspects: (1) exploitation through pornography, (2) exploitation through prostitution, and (3) the trafficking of children and young individuals.
The article underscores the disturbing trend of abusers frequently singling out vulnerable children and young people as their targets. It also highlights the role of the Internet as a tool that perpetrators can exploit to facilitate these heinous acts. The overall conclusion drawn from this examination is that the existing knowledge in this area remains limited, indicating a pressing need for further comprehensive efforts to address and combat these grave issues.
Davies, E.A. & Jones, A.C. (2013) ‘Risk factors in child sexual abuse’, Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 146-150.
This study examines various risk factors associated with child sexual abuse (CSA). The research analyzed a sample comprising 138 cases, aiming to identify prevalent themes and risk elements within these cases. The findings from this analysis indicated that among all these cases, the most frequently observed risk factors for CSA were linked to alcohol and drug use. Notably, the prevalence of these risk factors tended to increase with the age of the victims, with the majority of victims falling within the modal age of 15 years old. Additionally, the study noted that most victims were predominantly white females.
As a result of these findings, it is suggested that preventative strategies in addressing CSA could potentially focus on addressing issues related to alcohol and drug use. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that there might be a concentration of unreported cases within ethnic minority groups, which could contribute to the overrepresentation of white victims in this particular sample.
Dombrowski, S.C., Gischlar, K.L. & Durst, T. (2007) ‘Safeguarding young people from cyber pornography and cyber sexual predation: a major dilemma of the internet’, Child Abuse Review, Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 153-170.
This paper examines the perils associated with the Internet concerning child sexual abuse, emphasizing the significant risks posed to the well-being of children. It underscores the potential for children to become victims of exploitation and abuse in cyberspace, mainly through online sexual solicitation. Consequently, the paper emphasizes the urgent need to protect children from such harmful activities and calls for educational initiatives aimed at promoting safe Internet usage among young individuals.
This article engages in a thoughtful discussion of these critical issues and highlights the necessity for a fundamental shift in societal attitudes towards the Internet’s use by young people.
Donnelly, S. (2009) ‘The Media and the Catholic Church in Ireland: Reporting Clerical Child Sex Abuse’, Journal of Contemporary Religion, Vol. 25, No. 1, pp. 1-19.
This research delves into the dynamics between the media and the Catholic Church in Ireland, particularly in the context of reporting on clerical child sexual abuse. The study asserts that historically, there has been a lack of adequate exploration into the interplay between the church and the media in this regard. It emphasizes the crucial role the media should play as a vigilant watchdog when it comes to cases of clerical child sexual abuse.
Furthermore, the study posits that the media has evolved into a substantial influence in shaping public perceptions of religion. It observes that the Catholic Church’s ability to exert the same influence over the media as it once did has diminished.
Finkelhor, D. (1994) ‘The International Epidemiology of Child Sexual Abuse’, Child Abuse & Neglect, Vol. 18, No. 5, pp. 409-417.
This study, conducted by Finkelhor in 1994 (pp. 409-417), takes a global perspective on the issue of child sexual abuse (CSA) by examining data from nineteen different countries. The research uncovered a wide range of CSA prevalence rates in these studies, varying from 7% to 36% among women and from 3% to 29% among men. It’s important to note that making direct comparisons between these countries is challenging due to differences in methodology and definitions employed.
Nevertheless, the study draws a significant conclusion from its findings, indicating that CSA is a pervasive international issue. The central question remains the extent and severity of this problem globally.
Gorey, K.M. & Leslie, D.R. (1997) ‘The prevalence of child sexual abuse: Integrative review adjustment for potential response and measurement biases’, Child Abuse & Neglect, Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 391-398.
The research conducted by Gorey and Leslie in 1997 (pp. 391-398) consolidates the results from 16 cross-sectional surveys focusing on the prevalence of child abuse in North America. The study reveals a noteworthy trend in these surveys: the response rates have steadily decreased, declining from approximately 68% in 1985 to about 49% in more recent survey efforts.
Additionally, the study adjusted the prevalence rates of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and found them to be 14.5% for females and 7.2% for males, with relatively stable levels across the three decades under review. In light of these findings, it is suggested that a large-scale, methodologically rigorous study be undertaken to validate and update these conclusions in the current era.
Hartill, M. (2013) ‘Concealment of Child Sexual Abuse in Sports’, Quest, Vol. 65, No. 2, pp. 241-254.
Hartill’s 2013 study investigates the cover-up of child sexual abuse (CSA) within sports. It highlights a recurring pattern where, upon the revelation of a CSA case, it often becomes evident that another adult who was not involved in the abuse was aware of the misconduct but failed to act. This pattern is demonstrated to have historical origins, and the study draws upon Bourdieu’s critique of the Catholic Church to illustrate that the concealment of CSA is a widespread issue within organized sporting institutions.
In light of these findings, the study concludes that establishing child protection frameworks within the sports sector should be accompanied by more reflective analyses. Such analyses are deemed necessary if there is to be any meaningful improvement in addressing the problem of child sexual abuse within the world of sports.
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Hessick, C.B. (2011) ‘Disentangling Child Pornography From Child Sex Abuse’, Washington University Law Review, Vol. 88, pp. 853.
This paper examines the proliferation of criminal penalties for using child pornography in recent years, highlighting a growing ambiguity between actual child sexual abuse and the consumption of child pornography. This blurring of distinctions has led to justifications for imposing criminal sentences on individuals who use child pornography on the grounds that such actions are viewed as being as egregious as the act of child sexual abuse itself. This rationale is based on the belief that the consumption of child pornography sustains an industry that directly engages in child sexual abuse.
However, Hessick’s argument in 2011 contends that erasing the distinction between these two offenses might create a misconception among the public that law enforcement agencies are effectively addressing child sexual abuse, as crime statistics no longer differentiate between these distinct crimes. Consequently, it is proposed that there should be a comprehensive review of the current sentencing policies for child pornography offenses, with several potential areas of reform being put forth as suggestions.
Jack, G. & Gill, O. (2009) ‘The role of communities in safeguarding children and young people’, Child Abuse Review, Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 82-96.
This study explores the potential role of communities in ensuring the protection of children and young individuals. It begins by emphasizing that conventional child safeguarding policies have primarily concentrated on explaining instances of abuse and neglect at the individual and family levels, while paying minimal heed to factors at the community level. Consequently, the study advocates for increased focus on the influence of the community in shaping such circumstances.
In support of this perspective, the study draws on recent policy developments, particularly the Every Child Matters initiative and the Children’s Plan, to underscore the necessity of recognizing and addressing the impact of communities in the context of child safeguarding efforts.
Jumper, S. (1995) ‘A meta-analysis of the relationship of child sexual abuse to adult psychological symptoms’, Child Abuse & Neglect, Vol. 19, No. 6, pp. 715-728.
In this paper authored by Jumper in 1995 (pp. 715-728), a meta-analysis is conducted to examine the connection between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and adults’ psychological well-being. The study reveals a statistically significant association between CSA and subsequent challenges in psychological adjustment during adulthood. These difficulties encompass issues such as depression and low self-esteem.
Nevertheless, an intriguing finding emerges from the analysis: the impact of CSA appears to be less pronounced in samples of students compared to those from community or clinical settings. This observation suggests that education and academic engagement may have a positive mitigating effect on individuals who have experienced childhood sexual abuse.
Muridzo, N.G. & Malianga, E. (2015) ‘Child sexual abuse in Zimbabwe: prevention strategies for social workers’, African Journal of Social Work, Vol. 5, No. 2.
This paper examines the occurrence of child sexual abuse (CSA) within the African nation of Zimbabwe, where increasing concern about this form of abuse is evident through statistical data, ongoing debates, and growing scientific interest. The discussion highlights the pervasive nature of CSA, transcending cultural and economic boundaries, and emphasizes the enduring consequences it inflicts upon survivors and their families.
Consequently, the paper underscores the imperative role of social workers in addressing cases of CSA, operating at multiple levels of intervention – individual, familial, and societal. To this end, the paper presents a range of prevention strategies based on Melli’s model of CSA prevention, encompassing primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention levels. The ultimate conclusion drawn is that social workers in Zimbabwe are responsible for mitigating the prevalence and impact of CSA in the country.
Pearce, J. (2006) ‘Who needs to be involved in safeguarding sexually exploited young people?’ Child Abuse Review, Vol. 15, No. 5, pp. 326-340.
Pearce’s inquiry in 2006 revolves around the crucial question of who should take part in the protection of sexually exploited young individuals. Presently, these young people receive support through interventions overseen by local authorities. Pearce’s investigation relies on a collection of case studies and research articles, which collectively suggest that specific challenges faced by sexually exploited young people may be more effectively addressed by interventions incorporating elements of child protection, domestic violence, and youth work policies and protocols.
However, it’s important to emphasize that this proposal is merely a preliminary suggestion. Further research in this area is essential to gain a more comprehensive understanding and provide informed guidance to policymakers and practitioners.
Pereda, N., Guilera, G., Forns, M. & Gomez-Benito, J. (2009) ‘The International Epidemiology of Child Sexual Abuse: A Continuation of Finkelhor (1994)’, Child Abuse & Neglect, Vol. 33, pp. 331-342.
This study conducted by Pereda, Guilera, Forns, and Gomez-Benito in 2009 (pp. 331-342) undertakes a comparative analysis of the prevalence rates of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) as reported by Finkelhor in 1994 (pp. 409-417) in comparison to more recent publications on this subject. The study draws upon data from thirty-nine prevalence studies across twenty-one different countries, revealing a wide range of prevalence rates, varying from 0% to 53% for women and 0% to 60% for men.
However, the study reaches a noteworthy conclusion: most countries exhibit elevated prevalence rates of CSA. In light of this finding, Pereda, Guilera, Forns, and Gomez-Benito (2009b, p. 331) stress that governments worldwide should heed this warning and take immediate action to address the issue of childhood sexual abuse.
Rachamim, E.S. & Hodes, D. (2011) ‘Attitudes and knowledge held about the role of the paediatrician in cases of child sexual abuse (CSA): a comparison between the police, paediatricians and social workers’, Archives of Diseases in Childhood, Vol. 96, No. 1.
The study by Rachamim and Hodes in 2011 examines and contrasts the attitudes toward child sexual abuse (CSA) within three distinct agencies: the police, pediatricians, and social workers. The motivation behind this study stems from the fact that, despite estimates indicating that approximately 15% of children experience CSA, only half of these cases are referred to a pediatrician. This discrepancy necessitates investigation.
To gather data, online surveys were administered to multiple agencies, and the study’s findings uncovered a lack of clarity regarding the role of pediatricians in CSA cases. The study concludes that this ambiguity is a crucial factor contributing to inconsistent referrals to pediatricians in cases of child sexual abuse.
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Shepard-Payne, J., Galvan, F.H., Williams, J.K., Prusinski, M., Zhang, M., Wyatt, G.E. & Myers, H.F. (2014) ‘Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on the Emotions and Behaviours of Adult Men from Three Ethnic Groups in the USA’, Culture, Health & Sexuality, Vol. 10.
This study, conducted by Shepard-Payne, Galvan, Williams, Prusinski, Zhang, Wyatt, and Myers in 2014 (n.p.), examines the impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on adult men from various ethnic backgrounds in the United States. It delves into the psychological and behavioral consequences of CSA during adulthood. The study involved 150 males, all of whom had experienced CSA, a prerequisite for participation.
The study’s findings reveal that men from diverse ethnic backgrounds may respond differently to their CSA experiences. Consequently, the study underscores the importance of healthcare professionals considering these variations when providing care to men with histories of CSA.