NCJ Number
170004
Editor(s)
S S Shane
Date Published
1995
Length
121 pages
Annotation
Based on lessons learned from a sexual molestation case that involved a number of child victims in a specific community, this manual is designed to help communities victimized in a similar way to come together for support, attend to the children's needs, and become a significant force throughout the legal process.
Abstract
The first section provides an overview of child sexual abuse. It discusses the characteristics of pedophilia and child molestation, parents' reactions when their child is molested, how to respond to the child, and how to select and work with a therapist. This is followed by a section that provides guidelines for forming a community "force" that draws upon resources to facilitate dealing constructively with what has happened to the children. Guidelines are then presented for working with the legal system. The guidelines are based in the belief that parents of victims can assist in the investigation and be proactive with the police, the district attorney, and the court system. Parents also have a role in supporting and guiding their children throughout the legal process. Another section focuses on working with the news media. Advocacy designed to prevent child sexual abuse and improve the community's response to it addresses the enhancement of public awareness, working with the school system, assisting in the investigative process, developing effective legislation, and the mission of the Parent Task Force. Sample memos, letters, forms, and petitions, 19 suggested readings, and a list of resources