Sexual abuse of children in day care centers

Abstract

Sexual abuse of children in day care center settings has received considerable attention in the past decade. The nature and extent of allegations of sexual abuse in day care poses unique challenges to clinicians. Cases of sexual abuse in day care typically involve multiple victims and multiple perpetrators, and use of extreme threats to prevent disclosure. This article reviews the available research findings on the types of abuse known to occur in day care, the dynamics involved including the types of threats used to silence young victims, and patterns of disclosure. The impact of sexual victimization in day care on children and parents is discussed. Implications for the clinical evaluation of preschool-aged children in cases of suspected abuse in day care settings are presented. Developmental considerations related to psychosexual development and the development of memory and language are reviewed. Psychological defenses in repetitive trauma are discussed.