ABSTRACT
The natural response of most adults to the sexual abuse of a child is one of anger, disgust and, most probably, an inclination to disbelief. How is it possible that anyone could act in such a way? Strong emotions do, however, create an impetus for action, and within the last decade and a half, considerable efforts have been made towards the prevention of abuse and the protection of children. Such efforts have had three general aims:
• to rehabilitate child sex offenders in the hope of preventing further abuse; • to educate children about safety issues, such that they are better able to
recognise and protect themselves from potential harm, and know what to do if they are made to feel unsafe;
• to educate parents, teachers and the wider community about safer childrearing practices, about the detection of possible abuse, and about the myths surrounding child abuse.
