From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up?This compendium brings together a wide variety of information on a topic of current interest and controversy. Chapters include an overview of child sexual abuse; excerpts of federal laws and court decisions; a directory of organizations; and reviews of print materials including books, journal articles, and training manuals. The author's stated purpose is to provide a balanced guide to resources for those who want to research further. But while Kinnear cites a variety of scientists and popular writers on the subject, her biases are obvious. This is especially true in currently controversial areas such as traumatic amnesia. Praise is heaped on Elizabeth Loftus, the major proponent for the theory of false memory of abuse. Abundant recent criticism of this theory is not included. Substantial discussions of the work of leading medical researchers and trauma specialists over the last 15 years are also missing. Several sensational cases of alleged abuse in day-care centers are highlighted, while landmark cases in other critical areas?such as abuse by clergy?are ignored. While this book can provide references, names, dates, and citations, the overall viewpoint may reflect current public uncertainty rather than a timeless or dispassionate overview of the subject.?Carolyn Polese, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an alternate
Hardcover
edition.
From Library Journal
Kinnear's (Violent Children, ABC-CLIO, 1995) introduction provides information on myths about childhood sexual abuse, the scope of the problem, the perpetrators, the causes, effects, prevention, false memories, ritual abuse, and more. As she points out, most cases of child abuse go unreported to authorities, especially when the abused is a boy, and, contrary to the widely held belief, children are more likely to be abused by someone they know rather than by a stranger. A section on "Facts and Statistics, Documents and Legislation" gives information on prevalence and incidence, on signs and symptoms, excerpts from federal legislation, and two U.S. Supreme Court cases. There are annotated lists of print and non-print resources and a directory of organizations. With its wealth of information for professional and lay people alike, this book is recommended for public and academic libraries.?John Moryl, Yeshiva Univ. Lib., New York
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an alternate
Hardcover
edition.
