Acknowledgments -- Foreword -- Introduction -- Author's note -- pt. 1. Recognizing the predators : molesters, pedophiles, and opportunists -- 1. How prevalent is child sexual abuse? -- 2. How do you define child sexual abuse? -- 3. What are the differences between a pedophile, an opportunist, a molester, and a predator? -- 4. What acts are considered sexually abusive? -- 5. If the child consents, is it still considered sexual abuse? -- 6. How prevalent is sexual abuse of males? -- 7. Are "Peeping Toms" and people who expose themselves considered sex offenders? -- 8. What is Megan's Law? -- 9. What does a molester look like? -- 10. What is "grooming"? -- 11. Where do molesters seek their victims? -- 12. Why are children susceptible to sexual abuse? -- 13. Where do molesters live? -- 14. Why do people molest? -- 15. What is the relationship between pornography and child molestation? --
pt. 2. Talking to kids about risks and recognizing potential problems -- 16. How often should I talk to my children about preventing sexual abuse? -- 17. How can I teach my kids about personal safety without scaring them? -- 18. Is it OK to tell my children news stories about sexually assaulted children? -- 19. Are Internet predators different from other predators? Why are they so successful? -- 20. What should my family's rules be regarding our children's use of the Internet? -- 21. Should I allow my child on social-networking sites like MySpace, Facebook, or Second Life? -- 22. Should I hack into my kids' computers and monitor their Web site usage? -- 23. What factors make someone more likely to sexually abuse a child? -- 24. What should I do about sleepovers? -- 25. Can schools hire a teacher who has been accused of sex acts with children? -- 26. Do schools do background checks on employees such as teachers, staff, and administrators? -- 27. Should I let my child play outside in the neighborhood? -- 28. How can I find out if registered sex offenders live near me? -- 29. As a single mom, what should I do if I learn that the man I'm dating is a sex offender? -- 30. As a divorced dad, is it OK if I bathe my preschool daughter? -- 31. How should I screen a babysitter or nanny? -- 32. Should I get a "nanny-cam" or other surveillance product? --
pt. 3. Recognizing abuse -- 33. Should I report a suspected child abuser to the police or do I need tangible evidence? -- 34. What are the signs that a child has been improperly touched? -- 35. What are the potential warning signs of teacher misconduct? -- 36. What are the qualities of unnatural sexual behavior? -- 37. What do I do if I am uncomfortable with the way someone acted, even though he never touched my child or said anything directly sexual? -- 38. What should I do if my child discloses sexual assault? -- 39. What if I don't believe my child? -- 40. How late is too late to report sexual abuse? -- 41. Who are mandated reporters and what are their responsibilities? -- 42. What should I do if I suspect a child, other than mine, is being touched? -- 43. What is the difference between a SCAR and a police report? -- 44. What makes kids disclose molestation? -- 45. What makes kids not disclose molestation? -- 46. How do I know if my child is telling the truth? -- 47. Can a man or boy still have an erection or ejaculate if he is frightened? -- 48. How is sexual assault related to abduction? -- 49. What is an Amber Alert? --
pt. 4. Reporting sexual abuse -- 50. What kind of evidence is considered "corroboration" of child sexual abuse? -- 51. What are the general stages of crime scene investigation as it relates to child sexual assault? -- 52. What happens if there is a sexual assault disclosure during a divorce case? -- 53. Can a polygraph be used to validate a child's disclosure of sexual abuse? -- 54. What is "child sexual abuse accommodation syndrome"? -- 55. How do you find a predator whose identity my child doesn't know? -- 56. Under what circumstances will Child Protective Services (CPS) take my child away from me? -- 57. Whom should I call first if my child discloses sexual abuse? -- 58. What will the police do if I report the abuse? -- 59. Will an offending parent be deported if in this country illegally? -- 60. What if the victim is not a citizen? -- 61. What is a multidisciplinary team? -- 62. What is a forensic interview? -- 63. How many people will my child need to talk to? -- 64. Will the interview be videotaped? -- 65. Can I watch the interview? -- 66. Will my child need to have a medical or physical exam? Is it invasive or painful? --
pt. 5. Going to court -- 67. How do you determine whether a child can testify in court? -- 68. What is the difference between criminal court, civil court, family court, and dependency court? -- 69. What rights do victims have from governmental agencies? -- 70. What makes a case qualify to be filed? -- 71. What happens if a criminal case is not filed? -- 72. Who files a criminal case and what can be charged? -- 73. How long does a prosecutor have to file charges? -- 74. What if the victim or parent does not want to file charges? -- 75. Can a parent file a civil case? -- 76. Can my child's identity be shielded? -- 77. Are courtrooms closed in sexual assault cases? -- 78. What are the typical stages of the criminal court process? -- 79. How long does the criminal process take? -- 80. How do you prepare a child to testify in court? -- 81. What special procedures are in place for child sexual assault victims in court? -- 82. If a case is filed, will my child need to testify in court? -- 83. If my child has received a subpoena, what happens next? -- 84. Can't my child just write out a statement or testify via closed-circuit TV? -- 85. Can I watch my child testify? -- 86. What are the typical defenses in child sexual assault cases? -- 87. What is Jessica's Law? -- 88. Does the victim have a say in the perpetrator's sentencing? -- 89. What are the usual sentences/punishments for sex crimes? -- 90. Is registering as a sex offender a lifelong requirement? -- 91. Can child victims get a protective order or restraining order? -- 92. What happens if my child or someone else receives threats from the perpetrator? --
pt. 6. Healing and moving on
93. What kind of financial resources are available for the victim?
94. Can molesters be cured?
95. How should I talk to my child about the abuse?
96. What is the usual healing process for a victim of abuse?
97. Whose fault is it that my child was molested?
98. Can my child victim turn into an adult perpetrator?
99. Can I tell my abused daughter that she is still a virgin?
100. How long does the healing process take?
Appendix. Where can I go for more Information?
