Typology and correlates of sexual abuse in children and youth: Multivariate analyses in a prevalence study in Geneva

Objective: Child sexual abuse (CSA) encompasses a variety of distinct situa tions, which should be differentiated. There is a need for a working classi fication, taking into account various parameters. Methods: The Geneva CSA prevalence study was based on 1116 randomly selecte d adolescents aged 14 to 16. Secondary analyses of the 252 reported cases o f abuse was carried out using a multivariate approach combining multiple co rrespondence analysis and automatic classification, leading to descriptive analyses and to a new classification of CSA. Results: Global prevalence of CSA, using a broad definition, was 10.9% for boys, arid 33.8% for girls. Classification of cases of abuse differentiated 5 classes: (A) exhibitionism or other abuse without contact, by an adult ( proportion of cases in boys: 22%; girls: 32%); (B) abuse of an adolescent b oy by a peer without contact (62%); (C) abuse of an adolescent girl by a pe er with physical contact (38%); (D) abuse inside the family, repeated(boys: 10%, girls: 16%); (E) child abuse with genital penetration, lasting 2 year s or more (boys: 7%; girls: 14%). Conclusions: CSA is a complex and heterogeneous problem. Reported abuse sit uations can be classified into five classes, with different degrees of seve rity, causes, and consequences. Classification is essential in clinical res earch as well as in the design and conception of prevention programs. (C) 1 999 Elsevier Science Ltd.