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Physical and sexual abuse among school children: Prevalence and prevention

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Abstract

Prevalence of physical and sexual abuse, with emphasis on data provided by the 1986 National Incidence Study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is discussed within certain data collection constraints. Incidence results are reported by subcategory of abuse, child's sex, child's age, child's race/ethnicity, family income, and family size. Effects of physical and sexual abuse and characteristics of abusers are presented to establish the context in which primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention programs are developed and delivered. Research on abuse prevention programs is discussed, with attention drawn to problems associated with the lack of a research base for school-based abuse prevention programs.

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Peterson, M.P. Physical and sexual abuse among school children: Prevalence and prevention. Educ Psychol Rev 5, 63–86 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01332400

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