Chapter 12 - Epidemiology of Child and Adolescent Sexual Abuse

Abstract

Child welfare professionals from clinical science and legal disciplines have worked to improve knowledge about the scope of child sexual abuse since its recognition as a widespread societal problem. Research over the past few decades provides insight into the incidence of child sexual abuse, as well as a starting point for understanding risk factors and abuse sequelae. There are still major issues preventing an accurate epidemiological understanding of the issue, however. The current chapter reviews definitions of child sexual abuse generated by legal entities, researchers, and clinicians, and considers the implications of differences among them for an accurate epidemiology. National and international reports offer estimates of the incidence and prevalence of child sexual abuse and are used to outline victim and abuse characteristics. The chapter notes issues raised by delayed and avoided disclosure, and briefly addresses information about false allegations. Finally, outcomes associated with the experience of child sexual abuse are summarized.