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Article 1: Mart, E. G. (2010). Common errors in the assessment of allegations of child sexual abuse. The Journal of Psychiatry & Law, 38, 325–343.

Learning Objective: 4-1: Describe the definition and scope of child sexual abuse including problems inherent in measuring this form of abuse.
Summary: Overview of the common errors made by investigators of child sexual abuse. The article suggests the use of research-based investigative protocols and ongoing training as ways of improving this situation.

Questions to Consider

1. Why is assessing child sexual abuse difficult?
2. When a child makes an allegation, what are the legal and ethical implications? What are the implications for the child and family?
3. What risk factors should be assessed when investigating an allegation?
4. In addition to the training outlined in the article for investigators to receive, what other training do you suggest?

Article 2: Pasura, D., Jones, A. D., Hafner, J. A. H., Maharaj, P. E., Nathaniel-DeCaires, K., & Johnson, E. J. (2012). Competing meanings of childhood and the social construction of child sexual abuse in the Caribbean. Childhood, 20, 200–214.

Learning Objective: 4-1: Describe the definition and scope of child sexual abuse including problems inherent in measuring this form of abuse.
Summary: Qualitative data from a study in six Caribbean countries suggest that what it means to be a child has a direct impact on the way in which the issue of child sexual abuse is constructed and understood.

Questions to Consider

1. How does the study conceptualize and define childhood?
2. How is the definition of childhood similar and/or different to the definition of childhood in the United States?
3. Given the results, what are the implications on prevention and intervention of child sexual abuse in the U.S. and globally?