HOW GOOD IS THE EVIDENCE RELATING TO THE FREQUENCY OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE AND THE IMPACT SUCH ABUSE HAS ON THE LIVES OF ADULT SURVIVORS

Concerns relating to the methodological rigour of studies examining th e frequency and effects of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) have comforted those who dismiss the results as scaremongering. This review highligh ts the difficulties to be overcome in interpreting the epidemiological data currently available, and the lack of consensus regarding the tru e frequency of CSA and the impact such abuse has on the lives of adult survivors. However, it concludes that the rates of reporting and disc losing a history of CSA are increasing, and that the health service ne eds to recognise and respond to this changing clinical picture.