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Parents' Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices About Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: A Literature Review

NCJ Number
230534
Journal
Child Abuse Review Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: March - April 2010 Pages: 107-129
Author(s)
Georgia Babatsikos
Date Published
March 2010
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This article presents the results of a literature review that examined published research on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of parents regarding the risk and prevention of child sexual abuse.
Abstract
Increased concern about high rates of child sexual abuse has led to the demand for more prevention programs, particularly those aimed at parents. Research on how parents manage and reduce the risk of child sexual abuse can help plan programs. This literature review explores published research on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of parents on the risk and prevention of child sexual abuse and identifies gaps and needs for further research. The majority of studies reviewed originated in North America and Asia, were quantitative, surveyed mainly mothers and were more than 10 years old. Recommendations are made for more current and country specific research, further research to gain a deeper understanding of how parents manage the risk of child sexual abuse, more comprehensive research covering a range of knowledge, attitude and practice variables, and greater inclusion of fathers in research. Table and references (Published Abstract)