Nancy Whittier
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195325102
- eISBN:
- 9780199869350
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195325102.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
This chapter returns to the question of activists' engagement with the state, examining the different forms that movement organizations' relationships with state authorities took during the 1990s and ...
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This chapter returns to the question of activists' engagement with the state, examining the different forms that movement organizations' relationships with state authorities took during the 1990s and 2000s, when the therapeutic state around child sexual abuse was well‐developed, and shows the kinds of access and compromise these relationships brought. It discusses entry of activists into state agencies, movement organizations' professionalization, and increasing funding to provide services to the state, arguing that some groups became part of a para‐state. It traces organizations' use of crime victims compensation funds and activists' attempts to increase criminal and civil penalties for child sexual abuse Finally, the chapter analyzes newer organizations' involvement with public health initiatives to prevent child sexual abuse. Overall, the chapter argues that activists' involvement with the state was shaped by the priorities and pressures of the state, showing the continued power of medical and criminal approaches over others. Yet activists, particularly in the public health wing, continued to bring larger political goals into their work, illustrating the paradoxical nature of social movement outcomes.Less
This chapter returns to the question of activists' engagement with the state, examining the different forms that movement organizations' relationships with state authorities took during the 1990s and 2000s, when the therapeutic state around child sexual abuse was well‐developed, and shows the kinds of access and compromise these relationships brought. It discusses entry of activists into state agencies, movement organizations' professionalization, and increasing funding to provide services to the state, arguing that some groups became part of a para‐state. It traces organizations' use of crime victims compensation funds and activists' attempts to increase criminal and civil penalties for child sexual abuse Finally, the chapter analyzes newer organizations' involvement with public health initiatives to prevent child sexual abuse. Overall, the chapter argues that activists' involvement with the state was shaped by the priorities and pressures of the state, showing the continued power of medical and criminal approaches over others. Yet activists, particularly in the public health wing, continued to bring larger political goals into their work, illustrating the paradoxical nature of social movement outcomes.
Nancy Whittier
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195325102
- eISBN:
- 9780199869350
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195325102.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
The introduction gives an overview of the development of activism against child sexual abuse from the 1970s to the 2000s and traces the changes in cultural and political responses to child sexual ...
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The introduction gives an overview of the development of activism against child sexual abuse from the 1970s to the 2000s and traces the changes in cultural and political responses to child sexual abuse during that period. It shows the emergence of the movement in feminist activism and its growth outside feminism, arguing that it represents unexpected outcomes of the women's movement. It argues that activism against child sexual abuse shares qualities with, and sheds light on, the rise of self‐help and politics focused on emotion and the self as well as how social movements engage with the therapeutic state. The introduction develops the concept of selection processes, by which some movement goals and frames enter mainstream culture or public policy while others remain outside. It argues that the politics of child sexual abuse are better explained in terms of social movements than as a social problem or a moral panic. Finally, it discusses the methods of the study and gives background information about child sexual abuse.Less
The introduction gives an overview of the development of activism against child sexual abuse from the 1970s to the 2000s and traces the changes in cultural and political responses to child sexual abuse during that period. It shows the emergence of the movement in feminist activism and its growth outside feminism, arguing that it represents unexpected outcomes of the women's movement. It argues that activism against child sexual abuse shares qualities with, and sheds light on, the rise of self‐help and politics focused on emotion and the self as well as how social movements engage with the therapeutic state. The introduction develops the concept of selection processes, by which some movement goals and frames enter mainstream culture or public policy while others remain outside. It argues that the politics of child sexual abuse are better explained in terms of social movements than as a social problem or a moral panic. Finally, it discusses the methods of the study and gives background information about child sexual abuse.
C. J. Brainerd and V. F. Reyna
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195154054
- eISBN:
- 9780199868384
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195154054.003.0008
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter explores the question of false memory in psychotherapy. To establish the dimensions of the question, it first reviews some case studies of alleged adult recovery of repressed memories of ...
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This chapter explores the question of false memory in psychotherapy. To establish the dimensions of the question, it first reviews some case studies of alleged adult recovery of repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse. These include examples of the classic form of this phenomenon: recovery of repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse committed by parents or Satanic cults; and recovery of repressed memories of sexual abuse committed by religious clergy. Some general conditions of psychotherapy that would be expected to set the stage for false memory reports of life experiences are considered. The chapter then examines whether it is possible, through procedures that are analogous to techniques that are used in psychotherapy, to instill convincing memories of traumatic experiences in people who never had those experiences.Less
This chapter explores the question of false memory in psychotherapy. To establish the dimensions of the question, it first reviews some case studies of alleged adult recovery of repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse. These include examples of the classic form of this phenomenon: recovery of repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse committed by parents or Satanic cults; and recovery of repressed memories of sexual abuse committed by religious clergy. Some general conditions of psychotherapy that would be expected to set the stage for false memory reports of life experiences are considered. The chapter then examines whether it is possible, through procedures that are analogous to techniques that are used in psychotherapy, to instill convincing memories of traumatic experiences in people who never had those experiences.
Marie Keenan
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199895670
- eISBN:
- 9780199919604
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199895670.003.0010
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Crime and Justice
This chapter revisits some of the questions raised in relation to the response of the Catholic hierarchy to child sexual abuse since the 1960s. To facilitate this discussion, it draws on a number of ...
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This chapter revisits some of the questions raised in relation to the response of the Catholic hierarchy to child sexual abuse since the 1960s. To facilitate this discussion, it draws on a number of Irish reports and sources, such as three government-commissioned reports into the handling of sexual abuse by the Church hierarchy in Ireland; a number of official reports from the United States; two studies that involved first-person interviews with bishops in relation to their handling of abuse complaints, one in the United States and one in Ireland; the work of the Boston Globe investigative journalists into the handling of abuse complaints in the Archdiocese of Boston; and the work of Bishop Geoffrey Robinson, who was appointed in 1994 by the Australian bishops to a position of leadership in responding to revelations of abuse in the Australian Catholic Church, a position he held for nine years. The chapter suggests that the decision-making processes used in the Catholic Church in relation to handling the abuse problem are more complex than the published accounts or media representations suggest. In isolating individuals from their systemic context as the objects of blame, further injustices may be perpetrated in the name of justice.Less
This chapter revisits some of the questions raised in relation to the response of the Catholic hierarchy to child sexual abuse since the 1960s. To facilitate this discussion, it draws on a number of Irish reports and sources, such as three government-commissioned reports into the handling of sexual abuse by the Church hierarchy in Ireland; a number of official reports from the United States; two studies that involved first-person interviews with bishops in relation to their handling of abuse complaints, one in the United States and one in Ireland; the work of the Boston Globe investigative journalists into the handling of abuse complaints in the Archdiocese of Boston; and the work of Bishop Geoffrey Robinson, who was appointed in 1994 by the Australian bishops to a position of leadership in responding to revelations of abuse in the Australian Catholic Church, a position he held for nine years. The chapter suggests that the decision-making processes used in the Catholic Church in relation to handling the abuse problem are more complex than the published accounts or media representations suggest. In isolating individuals from their systemic context as the objects of blame, further injustices may be perpetrated in the name of justice.
Christin M. Ogle, Stephanie D. Block, Latonya S. Harris, Michelle Culver, Else-Marie Augusti, Susan Timmer, Anthony Urquiza, and Gail S. Goodman
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195308457
- eISBN:
- 9780199867387
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195308457.003.0006
- Subject:
- Psychology, Developmental Psychology
This chapter examines the claim that childhood trauma leads to a specific type of autobiographical memory functioning, namely “overgeneral memory”. It reviews scientific theory and research on ...
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This chapter examines the claim that childhood trauma leads to a specific type of autobiographical memory functioning, namely “overgeneral memory”. It reviews scientific theory and research on autobiographical memory development, memory for trauma-related and nontrauma-related information in traumatized individuals, and autobiographical memory in nontraumatized and traumatized adolescents and adults. Preliminary findings from an ongoing study that examines autobiographical memory development in documented child sexual abuse victims versus matched controls with no known history of child sexual abuse are presented. It is shown that contrary to the overgeneral memory hypothesis, individuals with child maltreatment histories, especially those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may overfocus on trauma in their lives and in their pasts, and this focus may make their autobiographical memories particularly accurate, especially for trauma-related information.Less
This chapter examines the claim that childhood trauma leads to a specific type of autobiographical memory functioning, namely “overgeneral memory”. It reviews scientific theory and research on autobiographical memory development, memory for trauma-related and nontrauma-related information in traumatized individuals, and autobiographical memory in nontraumatized and traumatized adolescents and adults. Preliminary findings from an ongoing study that examines autobiographical memory development in documented child sexual abuse victims versus matched controls with no known history of child sexual abuse are presented. It is shown that contrary to the overgeneral memory hypothesis, individuals with child maltreatment histories, especially those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may overfocus on trauma in their lives and in their pasts, and this focus may make their autobiographical memories particularly accurate, especially for trauma-related information.
Dawn Oliver (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199568666
- eISBN:
- 9780191721595
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199568666.001.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Public International Law
A British colony of fifty inhabitants in the Pacific Ocean, Pitcairn Island was settled by the Bounty mutineers and nineteen Polynesians in 1790. In 2004, six Pitcairn men were convicted of numerous ...
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A British colony of fifty inhabitants in the Pacific Ocean, Pitcairn Island was settled by the Bounty mutineers and nineteen Polynesians in 1790. In 2004, six Pitcairn men were convicted of numerous offenses against girls and young women, committed over a thirty year period, in what appears to have been a culture of sexual abuse on the island. This case has raised many questions: what right did the British government have to initiate these prosecutions? Was it fair to prosecute the defendants, given that no laws had been published on the island? Indeed, what, if any, law was there on this island? This collection of essays explores the many important issues raised by the case and by the situation of a small, isolated community of this kind. It starts by looking at the background to the prosecutions, considering the dilemma that faced the British government when the abuse was uncovered, and discussing the ways in which the judges dealt with the case, as well as exploring the history of the settlement and how colonial law affects it. This background paves the way for an exploration of the philosophical, jurisprudential and ethical issues raised by the prosecutions: was it legitimate for the UK to intervene, given the absence of any common community between the UK and the Island? Was the positivist ‘law on paper’ approach adopted by the British government and the courts appropriate, especially given the lack of promulgation of the laws under which the men were prosecuted? Would alternative responses such as payment of compensation to the female victims and provision of community support have been preferable? And should universal human rights claims justify the prosecutions, overriding any allegations of cultural relativism on the part of the UK?Less
A British colony of fifty inhabitants in the Pacific Ocean, Pitcairn Island was settled by the Bounty mutineers and nineteen Polynesians in 1790. In 2004, six Pitcairn men were convicted of numerous offenses against girls and young women, committed over a thirty year period, in what appears to have been a culture of sexual abuse on the island. This case has raised many questions: what right did the British government have to initiate these prosecutions? Was it fair to prosecute the defendants, given that no laws had been published on the island? Indeed, what, if any, law was there on this island? This collection of essays explores the many important issues raised by the case and by the situation of a small, isolated community of this kind. It starts by looking at the background to the prosecutions, considering the dilemma that faced the British government when the abuse was uncovered, and discussing the ways in which the judges dealt with the case, as well as exploring the history of the settlement and how colonial law affects it. This background paves the way for an exploration of the philosophical, jurisprudential and ethical issues raised by the prosecutions: was it legitimate for the UK to intervene, given the absence of any common community between the UK and the Island? Was the positivist ‘law on paper’ approach adopted by the British government and the courts appropriate, especially given the lack of promulgation of the laws under which the men were prosecuted? Would alternative responses such as payment of compensation to the female victims and provision of community support have been preferable? And should universal human rights claims justify the prosecutions, overriding any allegations of cultural relativism on the part of the UK?
Janet Jacobs
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195177299
- eISBN:
- 9780199785537
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195177299.003.0011
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter provides an overview of the study of abuse in new religious movements. Drawing on the literature on patriarchal charismatic movements, the chapter explores the dynamics of physical and ...
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This chapter provides an overview of the study of abuse in new religious movements. Drawing on the literature on patriarchal charismatic movements, the chapter explores the dynamics of physical and sexual abuse that characterized leader-follower relationships across a diverse number of religious groups. Case studies are used to illustrate the types of violence that were reported by devotees. Feminist theories of patriarchal social structure and feminist analyses of violence are used to help explain this troubling aspect of religious commitment. Finally, various strategies for teaching about violence in NRMs are discussed, with an emphasis on the difficulties that these issues raise for classroom teaching.Less
This chapter provides an overview of the study of abuse in new religious movements. Drawing on the literature on patriarchal charismatic movements, the chapter explores the dynamics of physical and sexual abuse that characterized leader-follower relationships across a diverse number of religious groups. Case studies are used to illustrate the types of violence that were reported by devotees. Feminist theories of patriarchal social structure and feminist analyses of violence are used to help explain this troubling aspect of religious commitment. Finally, various strategies for teaching about violence in NRMs are discussed, with an emphasis on the difficulties that these issues raise for classroom teaching.
Nancy Whittier
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195325102
- eISBN:
- 9780199869350
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195325102.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
This book studies activism against child sexual abuse, tracing it from its emergence in feminist anti‐rape efforts, through the development of mainstream self‐help, conflicts with an opposing ...
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This book studies activism against child sexual abuse, tracing it from its emergence in feminist anti‐rape efforts, through the development of mainstream self‐help, conflicts with an opposing movement, and entry into mass media and public policy. Activists sought to change their feelings about child sexual abuse, to challenge its cultural invisibility, and to gain institutional resources. Elaborating a “therapeutic politics,” activists saw tactics for changing the self and emotion as crucial for widespread social change and combined them with efforts to change institutions and the state. The book argues that these tactics were a challenge to efforts by the state and powerful institutions to shape the self; activists against child sexual abuse played an important part in developing and disseminating the therapeutic politics that have become important to many social movements. The book conceptualizes the selection processes by which some movement goals entered mainstream media and public policy, while others did not. As activists engaged with the state and opposing movements, shifting political winds pulled them toward formulations of child sexual abuse as a medical or criminal problem and away from emphases on gender and power. Like many social movements, it achieved social change that was a mixture of compromise, cooptation, and gains. The book thus sheds light on the processes of incomplete social change that characterize contemporary politics in the United States.Less
This book studies activism against child sexual abuse, tracing it from its emergence in feminist anti‐rape efforts, through the development of mainstream self‐help, conflicts with an opposing movement, and entry into mass media and public policy. Activists sought to change their feelings about child sexual abuse, to challenge its cultural invisibility, and to gain institutional resources. Elaborating a “therapeutic politics,” activists saw tactics for changing the self and emotion as crucial for widespread social change and combined them with efforts to change institutions and the state. The book argues that these tactics were a challenge to efforts by the state and powerful institutions to shape the self; activists against child sexual abuse played an important part in developing and disseminating the therapeutic politics that have become important to many social movements. The book conceptualizes the selection processes by which some movement goals entered mainstream media and public policy, while others did not. As activists engaged with the state and opposing movements, shifting political winds pulled them toward formulations of child sexual abuse as a medical or criminal problem and away from emphases on gender and power. Like many social movements, it achieved social change that was a mixture of compromise, cooptation, and gains. The book thus sheds light on the processes of incomplete social change that characterize contemporary politics in the United States.
Kathleen Coulborn Faller
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195311778
- eISBN:
- 9780199865055
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195311778.001.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Crime and Justice
Interviewing children who may have been sexually abused is a daunting task fraught with far-reaching consequences for the children, families, institutions, and professionals involved. With no room ...
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Interviewing children who may have been sexually abused is a daunting task fraught with far-reaching consequences for the children, families, institutions, and professionals involved. With no room for error, forensic and clinical interviewers must navigate the complex and often contradictory evidence that informs their decision making. This book critically analyzes the research on assessing child sexual abuse. Noting that issues such as memory and suggestibility, questioning techniques, the use of media, and false allegations remain hotly contested, the chapters advise on applying available research to professional judgment while drawing also on best practice guidelines and conceptual, clinical, and consensus-based writings. The book covers the entire interview process, showing professionals how to structure, document, and follow up on children’s responses in interviews; work with children who are very young, have special needs, or come from diverse backgrounds; use standardized tests and measures; formulate conclusions about sexual abuse; and defend those decisions in a courtroom or clinical setting.Less
Interviewing children who may have been sexually abused is a daunting task fraught with far-reaching consequences for the children, families, institutions, and professionals involved. With no room for error, forensic and clinical interviewers must navigate the complex and often contradictory evidence that informs their decision making. This book critically analyzes the research on assessing child sexual abuse. Noting that issues such as memory and suggestibility, questioning techniques, the use of media, and false allegations remain hotly contested, the chapters advise on applying available research to professional judgment while drawing also on best practice guidelines and conceptual, clinical, and consensus-based writings. The book covers the entire interview process, showing professionals how to structure, document, and follow up on children’s responses in interviews; work with children who are very young, have special needs, or come from diverse backgrounds; use standardized tests and measures; formulate conclusions about sexual abuse; and defend those decisions in a courtroom or clinical setting.
Marie Keenan
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199895670
- eISBN:
- 9780199919604
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199895670.001.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Crime and Justice
This book engages the first-person narratives of a group of Roman Catholic clergy in depth and detail, offering a thorough analysis of the perpetrators' accounts of how and why they sexually abused ...
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This book engages the first-person narratives of a group of Roman Catholic clergy in depth and detail, offering a thorough analysis of the perpetrators' accounts of how and why they sexually abused minors. It develops a new way of conceptualizing the problem of sexual abuse by clergy, one that is not rooted exclusively in individual pathology but that fully accounts for systemic and context-specific factors, such as the very institution of priesthood itself, the Catholic take on sexuality, clerical culture, power relations, governance structures of the Catholic Church in Ireland, the process of formation for priesthood and religious life, and the complex manner in which these factors coalesce to create serious institutional risks for boundary violations, including child sexual abuse. This book weaves together the stories of abusive priests, church history, and recommendations for institutional change that confront the Church's inadequate response to scandal after scandal.Less
This book engages the first-person narratives of a group of Roman Catholic clergy in depth and detail, offering a thorough analysis of the perpetrators' accounts of how and why they sexually abused minors. It develops a new way of conceptualizing the problem of sexual abuse by clergy, one that is not rooted exclusively in individual pathology but that fully accounts for systemic and context-specific factors, such as the very institution of priesthood itself, the Catholic take on sexuality, clerical culture, power relations, governance structures of the Catholic Church in Ireland, the process of formation for priesthood and religious life, and the complex manner in which these factors coalesce to create serious institutional risks for boundary violations, including child sexual abuse. This book weaves together the stories of abusive priests, church history, and recommendations for institutional change that confront the Church's inadequate response to scandal after scandal.
C. J. Brainerd and V. F. Reyna
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195154054
- eISBN:
- 9780199868384
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195154054.003.0007
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter begins with a precis of the recent history of how the law handles child sexual abuse allegations in the United States. It then discusses research on the suggestibility of children's ...
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This chapter begins with a precis of the recent history of how the law handles child sexual abuse allegations in the United States. It then discusses research on the suggestibility of children's memory reports. The chapter concludes by considering a major way in which the results of such research have benefited the investigation and prosecution of sexual abuse crimes — namely, the development of best-practice protocols for conducting forensic interviews of child victims and witnesses.Less
This chapter begins with a precis of the recent history of how the law handles child sexual abuse allegations in the United States. It then discusses research on the suggestibility of children's memory reports. The chapter concludes by considering a major way in which the results of such research have benefited the investigation and prosecution of sexual abuse crimes — namely, the development of best-practice protocols for conducting forensic interviews of child victims and witnesses.
Jonathan Herring
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199229024
- eISBN:
- 9780191705274
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199229024.003.0005
- Subject:
- Law, Family Law
This chapter considers the different definitions of elder abuse and provides estimates of its extent. It examines the current legal approach to the issue: through the private law remedies; the ...
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This chapter considers the different definitions of elder abuse and provides estimates of its extent. It examines the current legal approach to the issue: through the private law remedies; the response of the criminal law; and the inspection regime for care homes. It emphasises the lack of a scheme of public law protection of the kind that is available in respect of children who are suffering abuse. The chapter looks at the causes of elder abuse in institutional and private settings. It also considers the difficult issues that can arise where the older person does not want protective legal intervention.Less
This chapter considers the different definitions of elder abuse and provides estimates of its extent. It examines the current legal approach to the issue: through the private law remedies; the response of the criminal law; and the inspection regime for care homes. It emphasises the lack of a scheme of public law protection of the kind that is available in respect of children who are suffering abuse. The chapter looks at the causes of elder abuse in institutional and private settings. It also considers the difficult issues that can arise where the older person does not want protective legal intervention.
John E. B. Myers
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195169355
- eISBN:
- 9780199893348
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195169355.003.0005
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Crime and Justice
Sexual abuse of children is a common problem. This chapter describes the prevalence and harmful effects of sexual abuse. It traces the long tradition of skepticism about women and children who ...
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Sexual abuse of children is a common problem. This chapter describes the prevalence and harmful effects of sexual abuse. It traces the long tradition of skepticism about women and children who alleged sexual assault. Despite skepticism in pre-1970 professional writing, efforts were made to protect children from sexual abuse, and these early efforts are described. In the late 1970s, sexual abuse emerged as a major social issue, spurred by groundbreaking research by David Finkelhor, Vincent DeFrancis, and Diana Russell. This chapter ends with discussion of two late 20th century phenomena that baffled experts and captivated the public: sexual abuse in preschools and allegations of widespread ritual abuse of children.Less
Sexual abuse of children is a common problem. This chapter describes the prevalence and harmful effects of sexual abuse. It traces the long tradition of skepticism about women and children who alleged sexual assault. Despite skepticism in pre-1970 professional writing, efforts were made to protect children from sexual abuse, and these early efforts are described. In the late 1970s, sexual abuse emerged as a major social issue, spurred by groundbreaking research by David Finkelhor, Vincent DeFrancis, and Diana Russell. This chapter ends with discussion of two late 20th century phenomena that baffled experts and captivated the public: sexual abuse in preschools and allegations of widespread ritual abuse of children.
Marie Keenan
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199895670
- eISBN:
- 9780199919604
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199895670.003.0002
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Crime and Justice
This chapter analyzes the available data on what is known about the problem of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. It also considers how the available data compare with data from other churches ...
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This chapter analyzes the available data on what is known about the problem of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. It also considers how the available data compare with data from other churches and religious groups, as well as with what we know about child sexual abuse by other “caring” professionals. While these issues are explored on a comparative basis, Ireland and the United States are used as the primary contexts, since most of the available quantitative data on sexual abuse by Catholic clergy emanate from these two countries. Other jurisdictions, such as Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and several in Europe, are referred to for comparative purposes.Less
This chapter analyzes the available data on what is known about the problem of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. It also considers how the available data compare with data from other churches and religious groups, as well as with what we know about child sexual abuse by other “caring” professionals. While these issues are explored on a comparative basis, Ireland and the United States are used as the primary contexts, since most of the available quantitative data on sexual abuse by Catholic clergy emanate from these two countries. Other jurisdictions, such as Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and several in Europe, are referred to for comparative purposes.
John J. Coughlin
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195372977
- eISBN:
- 9780199871667
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195372977.003.0003
- Subject:
- Law, Philosophy of Law
This chapter consists of two major parts. The first reviews the canonical provisions that were in place to respond to allegations of sexual abuse and to impose the penalty of dismissal from the ...
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This chapter consists of two major parts. The first reviews the canonical provisions that were in place to respond to allegations of sexual abuse and to impose the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state on a guilty priest. It also presents statistical information about the sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests in the United States from 1950 until 2006. In light of the information, it argues that canonical action could have been taken against guilty priests, especially those who were serial child abusers. The second part offers an explanation for the failure of church authorities to utilize canon law in dealing with cases of sexual abuse. After reviewing some examples of antinomianism and legalism on the part of 19th-century bishops in the United States, it discusses how these approaches led to the failure of canon law in dealing with cases of clergy sexual abuse. It suggests that, when a psychological model replaced the rule of canon law, the conditions were set for great harm to individuals and the common good.Less
This chapter consists of two major parts. The first reviews the canonical provisions that were in place to respond to allegations of sexual abuse and to impose the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state on a guilty priest. It also presents statistical information about the sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests in the United States from 1950 until 2006. In light of the information, it argues that canonical action could have been taken against guilty priests, especially those who were serial child abusers. The second part offers an explanation for the failure of church authorities to utilize canon law in dealing with cases of sexual abuse. After reviewing some examples of antinomianism and legalism on the part of 19th-century bishops in the United States, it discusses how these approaches led to the failure of canon law in dealing with cases of clergy sexual abuse. It suggests that, when a psychological model replaced the rule of canon law, the conditions were set for great harm to individuals and the common good.
John J. Coughlin
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195372977
- eISBN:
- 9780199871667
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195372977.003.0004
- Subject:
- Law, Philosophy of Law
This chapter addresses the canonical consequences of antinomianism and legalism. These include injury to the victims, the alleged link between priesthood and sexual deviancy, the disruption of the ...
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This chapter addresses the canonical consequences of antinomianism and legalism. These include injury to the victims, the alleged link between priesthood and sexual deviancy, the disruption of the unity of law and theology, and the diminishment of canon law as law properly understood.Less
This chapter addresses the canonical consequences of antinomianism and legalism. These include injury to the victims, the alleged link between priesthood and sexual deviancy, the disruption of the unity of law and theology, and the diminishment of canon law as law properly understood.
David W. Purcell, Jocelyn D. Patterson, and Pilgrim S. Spikes, Jr.
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195301533
- eISBN:
- 9780199863815
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195301533.003.0003
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This chapter provides a systematic review of the prevalence and correlates of childhood sexual abuse among gay and bisexual men in the United States. It begins by describing the prevalence of ...
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This chapter provides a systematic review of the prevalence and correlates of childhood sexual abuse among gay and bisexual men in the United States. It begins by describing the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse among men and compares rates between gay and bisexual men and heterosexual men. It assesses methodological and theoretical issues that affect estimates of the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse. Of particular importance is the in-depth examination of the effects of childhood sexual abuse in adulthood, which include harmful effects related to mental health, substance use, sexual victimization, and sexual risk behavior. The chapter reviews what is known about interventions to prevent childhood sexual abuse and its early effects in children as well as secondary prevention interventions that are designed to reduce the later effects of childhood sexual abuse that are experienced in adulthood. It concludes with recommendations for future research.Less
This chapter provides a systematic review of the prevalence and correlates of childhood sexual abuse among gay and bisexual men in the United States. It begins by describing the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse among men and compares rates between gay and bisexual men and heterosexual men. It assesses methodological and theoretical issues that affect estimates of the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse. Of particular importance is the in-depth examination of the effects of childhood sexual abuse in adulthood, which include harmful effects related to mental health, substance use, sexual victimization, and sexual risk behavior. The chapter reviews what is known about interventions to prevent childhood sexual abuse and its early effects in children as well as secondary prevention interventions that are designed to reduce the later effects of childhood sexual abuse that are experienced in adulthood. It concludes with recommendations for future research.
Jacqueline Corcoran
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195149524
- eISBN:
- 9780199865154
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195149524.003.0005
- Subject:
- Social Work, Health and Mental Health, Children and Families
This chapter describes and illustrates through case example the use of cognitive-behavior group treatment with non-offending parents (typically mothers) whose preschool children have been sexually ...
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This chapter describes and illustrates through case example the use of cognitive-behavior group treatment with non-offending parents (typically mothers) whose preschool children have been sexually abused. The empirical evidence for cognitive-behavioral treatment with sexual abuse victims and their families is presented, followed by a rationale for the use of a group modality with this population. Techniques are targeted toward decreasing maternal stress and improving coping; building maternal support; and providing information on sexual abuse dynamics and how to handle symptoms in children.Less
This chapter describes and illustrates through case example the use of cognitive-behavior group treatment with non-offending parents (typically mothers) whose preschool children have been sexually abused. The empirical evidence for cognitive-behavioral treatment with sexual abuse victims and their families is presented, followed by a rationale for the use of a group modality with this population. Techniques are targeted toward decreasing maternal stress and improving coping; building maternal support; and providing information on sexual abuse dynamics and how to handle symptoms in children.
Kathleen Coulborn Faller
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195311778
- eISBN:
- 9780199865055
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195311778.003.0014
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Crime and Justice
Both professionals and the public are attentive to and, in some instances, preoccupied with the possibility that sexual abuse allegation might be false. This chapter first differentiates between a ...
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Both professionals and the public are attentive to and, in some instances, preoccupied with the possibility that sexual abuse allegation might be false. This chapter first differentiates between a false and an unsubstantiated report. It addresses the obstacle of knowing with certainty that an allegation of sexual abuse is false, pointing out that the criterion employed in most research is the opinion of the researcher, or a group of researchers. The chapter then focuses on evidence — what is known from research about the extent and source of false reports of sexual abuse. The research suggests that consciously made false reports occur infrequently, and they are more likely to be made by adults than by children.Less
Both professionals and the public are attentive to and, in some instances, preoccupied with the possibility that sexual abuse allegation might be false. This chapter first differentiates between a false and an unsubstantiated report. It addresses the obstacle of knowing with certainty that an allegation of sexual abuse is false, pointing out that the criterion employed in most research is the opinion of the researcher, or a group of researchers. The chapter then focuses on evidence — what is known from research about the extent and source of false reports of sexual abuse. The research suggests that consciously made false reports occur infrequently, and they are more likely to be made by adults than by children.
Penney Lewis
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199282289
- eISBN:
- 9780191705441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199282289.003.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Criminal Law and Criminology
Childhood sexual abuse is a serious societal problem. Low rates of disclosure and reporting contribute to the difficulties facing prosecution authorities. There is extensive evidence of delayed ...
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Childhood sexual abuse is a serious societal problem. Low rates of disclosure and reporting contribute to the difficulties facing prosecution authorities. There is extensive evidence of delayed disclosure for a variety of reasons. A significant proportion of CSA victims do not complain officially until many years after the abusive episodes. There are two central categories of delay: those in which the victim always remembered the abuse but was unable to complain; and those in which the victim's memory of the abuse was allegedly lost and later recovered. Should we prosecute delayed CSA cases? To answer this question, the debate over whether long-delayed criminal prosecutions should be brought, and the particular concerns raised by delayed or ‘historic’ CSA cases are considered. Societal rationales for prosecution and punishment such as deterrence, rehabilitation, incapacitation, and retribution are applied to historic crimes. The impact of the decision whether to prosecute on both the victim and the defendant is also analysed.Less
Childhood sexual abuse is a serious societal problem. Low rates of disclosure and reporting contribute to the difficulties facing prosecution authorities. There is extensive evidence of delayed disclosure for a variety of reasons. A significant proportion of CSA victims do not complain officially until many years after the abusive episodes. There are two central categories of delay: those in which the victim always remembered the abuse but was unable to complain; and those in which the victim's memory of the abuse was allegedly lost and later recovered. Should we prosecute delayed CSA cases? To answer this question, the debate over whether long-delayed criminal prosecutions should be brought, and the particular concerns raised by delayed or ‘historic’ CSA cases are considered. Societal rationales for prosecution and punishment such as deterrence, rehabilitation, incapacitation, and retribution are applied to historic crimes. The impact of the decision whether to prosecute on both the victim and the defendant is also analysed.
