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Someone in My Family Has Molested Children: A Book for Kids Whose Dad, Mom, or Relative Has Molested Children

NCJ Number
154418
Author(s)
E Gil; J Bodmer-Turner
Date Published
1994
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This book provides information to help kids whose mother, father, or other relative admits to molesting children, has been convicted of molesting children, has gone to jail for molesting children, has to see a probation officer because of molesting, or goes to therapy to get help with his/her molesting problem.
Abstract
Child molesting is first defined as "when an adult or older child touches a child's private parts." Nine examples of child sexual molestation are described, followed by an explanation of why a person would molest a child. Also described are techniques molesters use to gain the confidence of children they are trying to molest and to persuade their victims not to tell anyone about the molestation. The exposure of a molester is discussed so that children can understand why certain interventions are occurring. This is followed by a section that explains what happens to molesters when they are caught. The booklet then focuses on incest and why child victims may have to leave their homes. Aspects of the criminal justice processing of persons accused of molesting children are discussed, along with issues associated with therapeutic interventions for molesters. Other issues considered are why a child cannot see his/her mom or dad while they are in custody or undergoing treatment for child molestation, how children feel when they are molested, whether a relative who molested other children may molest the child reader of this booklet, and what the future may hold for the child's relationship with a relative accused or convicted of child molestation. Whether or not to tell others about parents accused or convicted of molestation, the importance of counseling for a child who must deal with these issues, and whether or not many other kids have parents who molest children are other issues addressed.