Sexually Abused Girls' Knowledge About Sexual Abuse and Sexuality

Abstract

This research reports on open-ended interviews with 20 sexually abused girls on their knowledge of sexuality and child sexual abuse. Most received little or no information from parents or the schools on these subjects. The few who received warnings about molestation were unable to connect the warnings to the perpetrator's behavior. Sex education and sex abuse education of children appear necessary. The results of this study suggest that children are likely to benefit if they are provided with concrete, specific information beginning at a very early age. Programs to prevent the development of sexually abusive behaviors in the first place are needed for a more complete preventive effort.