Approaches to Assessment and Intervention with Children and Young People who have Experienced Child Sexual Abuse: A Review of Reviews

Abstract

This paper focuses on understandings of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and best practice approaches in practice contexts to assessment and intervention with children who have experienced abuse. By collating data from existing reviews of literature or scoping reviews to formulate one overarching systematic scoping review, we provide a knowledge synthesis of practices in assessment and interventions into CSA. Utilising a two-phase scoping review method, the screening process resulted in twenty-two reviews for inclusion in this review. As a result of the analysis process, findings were identified across three broad themes: i) the limitations of current knowledge and official data about CSA and low rates of CSA prosecutions; ii) best practice in assessment and intervention; and iii) critical gaps in knowledge on CSA from diverse communities and those experiencing intersectional disadvantage. We conclude that whilst knowledge on CSA is continually emerging, there is limited consensus and significant challenges in the disclosure processes; poor skills in sensitive assessment and limited evidence about systemic responses, including low prosecution rates and poor integration of knowledge into practice; and promising interventions. There is also a critical gap in knowledge about CSA within racially and culturally minoritised groups, and other communities that report intersectional marginalisation.