New York University Press Description: This 224 page edited book consists of British cases in the
social services and court. It begins with a long, general introduction followed
by chapters on individual cases' histories, theoretical perspectives on father/daughter incest, professionals, the courts and the law, and "positive
action" women can take to resolve the problem of sex abuse. Discussion: The reader is assaulted by a tired litany of power imbalance as the cause of child sexual abuse. Pornography is confused with sexual abuse and all different ages of victims are assumed to show the same dynamics and effects (children, adolescents, adults). The book's strong feminist perspective is shown in the critical discussion of the use of anatomical dolls diagnosing child sexual abuse. Although several sensible criticisms are provided (the body holes are ready to receive the penis, the child's activity is ignored, professionals are apt to misinterpret the results, doll usage may traumatize the child), the dolls are also criticized because they contain no clitorises. The book is emotional, one-sided, and uses conventional wisdom rather than empirical data to support its main points. It ignores the problem of false accusations and professionals in the field are viewed as scapegoats and accused of being frightened about using their own power. Children's rights are stressed and children are said to have a "moral right to protection." However, there is no mention of how this is to be paid for and what other rights may be surrendered to accomplish this. The book does not provide usable answers to the problems posed. Reviewed by LeRoy Schultz, a professor of social work at 708 Allen Hall, Suite 710, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506.
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