Is the Prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse Decreasing? Evidence from a Random Sample of 750 Young Adult Women

Abstract

An adult recall study in Calgary, Alberta in 1988–89 of child sexual abuse used stratified, random sampling to identify 750 women ages 18 to 27 yr., divided into 10 age cohorts of approximately 75 each. Those aged 18 and 19 yr. recalled significantly less contact abuse up to age 16 than those aged 20 to 27 yr. Experiencing print or visual media on the topic of sexual abuse was associated with a decreased prevalence. It is argued that in a climate of publicity and greater understanding of help sources and harmful effects, the actual prevalence of child sexual abuse may be decreasing.