The article sought to inform primary clinicians about the available knowledge in the area of child abuse and neglect. It evaluated areas such as the effects of drug abuse on children, reporting, the different types of abuse, documentation, and prevention (Legano, McHugh, and Palusci, 2009). By engaging in relevant and detailed discussions in such areas, the authors sought to help clinicians to identify and report cases of child neglect and abuse accurately. However, the authors suggest that detailed research studies still need to be conducted to establish effective methods of averting sexual abuse (Legano, McHugh, and Palusci, 2009).
Sexual abuse simply refers to unwanted sexual activity in which the perpetrators use threats or force to take advantage of victims that are unable to give consent. The issue of sexual abuse pertains to the topic of child abuse because children are vulnerable; therefore, perpetrators can always take advantage of them. Furthermore, children are legally incompetent; therefore, they are not considered competent to consent to issues relating to sex (Legano, McHugh, and Palusci, 2009).
Research in this area is significant because sexual abuse can cause emotional and physical abuse to a child. Most of the victims may feel powerless, distrustful of others, and ashamed. Moreover, sexual abuse may disrupt a child’s development and may increase the probability that they may experience other instances of sexual abuse in future.
A research study on child sexual abuse will benefit parents or guardians who have the responsibility of taking care of their children and protecting them from potential perpetrators. The research will outline some of the approaches or strategies that parents can use to protect their children from sexual abuse. Furthermore, the research will also augment academic literature on sexual abuse.
References
Legano, L., McHugh, M., and Palusci, V. (2009). Child Abuse and Neglect. Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care. Volume 39, Issue 2.
