Child sexual abuse: a review

Abstract

The sexual abuse of children is a significant problem in the United States. It is a traditionally touchy subject which has been hidden by cultural stereotypes and taboos. It is only in the last 10, and especially the last 5 years that the true scope and essence of child sexual abuse has begun to be understood. This article reviews the recent literature dealing with child sexual abuse and identifies the role health educators can play in combating this problem.