Aim: In this short overview article, we are exploring the topic of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) from different angles. We seek the criminological and psychodynamic features underlying CSA. Our aim was to analyse comprehensive research findings published after 2000.
Methodology: During the analysis of these international findings, the child sexual abuse (CSA) is approached from different points of view: 1) problems arising from different definitions and conceptualizations of CSA, 2) CSA induced early changes in neurobiology of the brain, 3) traceable and CSA triggered conduct disorders in adolescence, 4) psychological background of sadism and torture, 5) issue of transgenerational CSA, 6) re-occurrence of CSA in childhood, and 7) disclosure of CSA.
Findings: The conclusion from international research are wide-ranging. The problem requires a complex and more careful approach. Many professionals are working with people who have been victims of CSA in the past or with children who have recently experienced CSA. Law enforcement and health care play a prominent role in this respect. Early detection of CSA is also of paramount importance in the effective protection of mental health in society.
Value: In this article, we have shown that it is reasonable to use a standardised system to confirm that a CSA has taken place. We have pointed out that the combination of CSA and certain forms of deviant behaviour is a strong risk factor for custodial measures. We highlighted that the psychological background of addiction and sadism may be similar. We noted that CSA can be associated with a failure to develop a sensitive educational attitude. Finally, we indicated that international research suggests that the disclosure of CSA is the result of a process and does not happen instantly. By publishing national case studies, the above-mentioned issues could be effectively explored for the Hungarian reader in the future.