Perceptions of child sexual abuse as a public health problem--Vermont, September 1995

Abstract

CDC and the World Health Organization have declared violence prevention a public health priority. One particular form of violent victimization, child sexual abuse, is a risk factor for suicide attempts, depression, sexually transmitted diseases, and subsequent sexual assault. The public health approaches to child sexual abuse are intervention (e.g., treatment) and prevention. To assist in developing public health measures for preventing child sexual abuse in Vermont, in September 1995, STOP IT NOW! and Market Street Research, Inc., surveyed a representative sample of households in Vermont to assess knowledge and attitudes about child sexual abuse as a public health problem. This report summarizes the survey findings, which indicate that levels of awareness of child sexual abuse are high among Vermont residents.