ABSTRACT
Certain common features emerging during the therapy of a number of children in care have suggested that it would be helpful to direct attention to the appearance of markedly precocious or perverse sexuality as a significant feature of a child's relationships and activities. This may express a frustrated longing for closeness and affection, or perversely may serve to belittle and denigrate relationships, turning instead to sensual excitement for relief from loneliness and anxiety. In these ways it can be recognised as a precursor of the disturbances of sexuality which have been more commonly studied as manifestations of adult emotional life. The sexualisation of interactions between children and adults imposes a fictitious peer-relationship that essentially denies or distorts the child's need to depend on adults for care and protection.
