ABSTRACT
In every country, the studies have established a prevalence of abuse far exceeding the scope of the problem that would be inferred from the number of cases that were officially reported. At this magnitude, it is clear that virtually any mental health professional is going to be dealing with many individuals who have been sexually abused, whether disclosed or not. The prevalence surveys have also given important epidemiological information about the distribution of the problem, at least as it applies to North America and to some extent Europe as well. Boys seem less likely to disclose for several reasons. Boys seem to have more of a peer ethic of being independent, and not asking adults for help. They are concerned about adults trying to curtail their freedom, which they fear will happen if they admit to victimization, which is something that normally happens only to girls.
