Epicrim and child sexual abuse: a public health theory for a criminal justice epidemic

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is increasingly described by government agencies and academic commentators as a public health problem. A range of theories has been put forward to explain different aspects, or perspectives, of child sexual abuse. These include free-standing theories such as implicit theories, rational choice, routine activities and social learning theories. Integrated theories have also been developed in an attempt to explain the individual actions of those engaging in CSA and the social ecology within which it takes place. Epicrim is an emerging criminological theory that seeks to re-conceptualize crime as a public health issue and adoptsf a cross-disciplinary approach that is rooted in public health strategies. Here, epicrim was applied to the issue of CSA to see whether the theory is effective at explaining its commission and consequences across both individual and societal levels. Existing theories were integrated into the resulting epicrimiological model, where appropriate. A number of existing and proposed policies aimed at preventing or addressing CSA were evaluated against the resulting epicriminological model of CSA. Policy reform suggestions were made where deficits were identified.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Alabama Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Skvortsova, Tanya

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Lanier, Mark

Contributors dc:contributor

• Seigfried-Spellar, Kathryn C.
• Welker, Kathleen

• Criminology
• Public health

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved by the author unless otherwise indicated.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US, English

Dc Identifier Other

u0015_0000001_0001309
Skvortsova_alatus_0004M_11642

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ir.ua.edu:123456789/1777