ABSTRACT
Sexually abused girls are categorised as ‘the problem’, whereas the real difficulty lies within the realms of male sexual violence. When child sexual abuse takes place within the family the issues are compounded by ideological perceptions of privacy, family life and intrafamilial social relations. Nosexual abuse is never pleasant for the child and may be interpreted as an expression of affection. The familial sexual abuse of children can also be incest if sexual intercourse takes place, but incest can also take place between two adults. Child sexual abuse is seen as abhorrent and needing vigorous intervention, yet social workers and other professionals are seen ‘discovering’ sexual abuse where no abuse has taken place and illegitimately persecuting innocent families. In much of the clinical and psychological research literature adolescence itself is seen as a highly sexualised concept. The Department of Health classifies child abuse as falling into four distinct categories; neglect, physical injury, sexual abuse and emotional abuse.
