Sexual abuse in America: Epidemic of the 21st Century

Sexual Abuse in America: Epidemic of the 21st Century

By Robert Freeman-Longo and Geral T. Blanchard 

This classic text gives an overview of the sexual abuse problem in America and proposes methods for decreasing and preventing sexual abuse. The authors suggest that physical and sexual abuse be addressed primarily as public health problems, rather than as criminal justice problems. Public health approaches include an emphasis on education and prevention, vigorous case finding, comprehensive treatment of identified cases, and quarantining of affected individuals (abusers) who have not yet been treated or, in some cases, fail to respond to treatment and present a serious risk to the community. The authors note that a public health approach to sexual abuse should be tried and present detailed suggestions for primary prevention with heavy emphasis on effective public education about sexual abuse and enlightened citizen action.