Child sexual abuse: A follow-up study of reports to a protective service hotline

Abstract

While much has been written about identifying and treating cases of child sexual abuse, we know little about which services are needed, which are offered and which are used. This study followed 124 cases of child sexual abuse over a minimum period of one year. Findings indicate workers still have difficulty discussing sexual abuse, that over one-third of the cases were reported again during the study period for protective service reasons; that services are provided for less than two years in the majority of cases, and that a multitude of services are needed, but not always available. Implications of these findings are discussed and suggestions made for protective service workers and agencies.