Sexual Abuse in Childhood : Prevalence in Britain

DON'T USE WITHOUT EDITING - THIS WAS A ROBERT RUSH JOB! Sexual Abuse in Childhood is the most comprehensive analysis of childhood sexual abuse in the United Kingdom yet published. The result of a recently completed survey of more than 1,200 children in further education; Kelly, Regan and Burton here consolidate and elaborate in detail the findings of that research. The exhaustive survey material is related to previous studies, largely conducted in the United States, and to the arguments now current among researchers and health practitioners in the area of child sexual abuse. This unique study extrapolates from extensive research data to present a fully contextualised account of abuse in the UK. The survey methods used and the ethical issues involved are discussed, prefacing a rigorous analysis of key variables in childhood sexual abuse: like the relationship to the abuser and the proportion of single and ongoing events reported; the ways in which race and class relate to the prevalence of abuse are also discussed. Through a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the survey material Kelly, Regan and Burton go on to examine abuse in the household, abuse by other adults and abuse by peers; on gender issues are also discussed. The strategies used by children to avoid abuse are related to critical variables and the study concludes with an important review of policy, practice and prevention.Sexual Abuse in Childhood is a landmark study. Kelly, Regan and Burton present unique empirical data, in the context of an informed discussion of the methodologies used. This is an essential work for students in the areas of social policy and social work, sociology and women's studies; as well as practitioners, social workers, health visitors and policy-makers.Burton, Sheila is the author of 'Sexual Abuse in Childhood : Prevalence in Britain' with ISBN 9780803987098 and ISBN 0803987099.