Yet, we know that the sexual exploitation of children can have significant impact on its victims and even contribute to an intergenerational cycle of violence and abuse. Child protective services agencies report that the increases in child sexual abuse that marked the 1980 s were followed by a protracted period of substantial declines in the 1990 s. From 1992 to 1998, for example, substantiated cases of child sexual abuse decreased by nearly a third. Using data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System and other sources, this Bulletin describes declines in both reported and substantiated child sexual abuse from the early 1990 s and identifies possible factors influencing those declines. The policy implications suggested by the decrease in child sexual abuse are also explored.
Further research is needed to better understand the reasons why child sexual abuse has declined.
This Bulletin, however, will enhance our knowledge of this noteworthy trend and its potential causes and effects.