Sage Publications, Inc. This is an excellent book which should be studied carefully by anyone
seeking to make sense out of the research studies on sexual abuse of
children. It is volume 40 in the Sage series, Developmental
Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry [ The virtue of the book is that it carefully and sympathetically describes the process by which the current confusing situation of our efforts to respond to sexual abuse of children. The basic issues of the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse, the psychological characteristics of victims and perpetrators, and the effects of sexual abuse are discussed in the light of relevant and acceptable research. In each case the problems and the weaknesses of the research literature are identified. Appropriate cautions for correctly understanding the research knowledge are clearly and simply described in non-technical language that does not require a sophisticated level of scientific expertise. Then a brief summary is presented of what can safely and reasonably be understood to be established by the scientific information. In each case, the summaries can correct many of the misconceptions and myths that continue to plague the political, social welfare, and justice systems as they address child sexual abuse. It turns out that over-interpreting statistics, frequency, effects, and characteristics of perpetrators and victims in either direction can be remedied by knowing the material in this book. The information this book provides is good, solid, and can be relied upon. It can be read, understood, and applied by any persons with a reasonable grasp of English and an openness to facts. Knowing what this book contains could go a long way toward markedly improving the effectiveness of political, protective, mental health, and justice system actions and policies relevant to child sexual abuse. Reviewed by Ralph Underwager, Institute for Psychological Therapies.
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