Sexually abused children: A commentary

In this brief commentary, issues associated with the definition, assessment , treatment and prevention of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) are highlighted. It is concluded that much has been learned regarding CSA in recent years and t here is reason to hope that we will do better in the future. Studies presen ted in this special issue document some of these advances. Still, CSA conti nues to occur with alarming frequency and our treatment programs are only b eginning to address the many issues associated with such traumatic experien ces. Furthermore, developmental issues have been largely ignored and preven tion of CSA remains an illusory goal. We can, and must, do better.