CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE - FINKELHORS PRECONDITION MODEL REVISITED

In this paper it is argued that a comprehensive and effective approach to the prevention of child sexual abuse requires a coherent theoretic al model. Finkelhor's precondition model (1984) is proposed as a usefu l theoretical base. The precondition model is evaluated in terms of re search published since 1984. Strategies for prevention, based on the f our preconditions, are outlined. Some limitations of the model are dis cussed and the need to integrate it with mainstream psychological theo ry is emphasised.