Book review
Title: A Practitioners' Tool for the Assessment of Adults who Sexually Abuse Children
Author: Jeff Fowler
Year: 2008
Edition: 1
Number of pages: 192
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
ISBN: 978-1-84310-639-5
Price: £18.99
Reviewer: Collette Maunders, Social Worker/Trainer/Practice Assessor, NSPCC
Review date: 05/03/2009
This book provides an excellent practice tool for assessment adults who sexually abuse children. It does not explore in detail the theories underpinning sexual offending so prior knowledge would be beneficial.
Chapter 1 – The Child. This chapter explores research on sexual abuse and the impact it has on children. The child sexual abuse syndrome is explored in detail, which provides a good understanding of the psychological processes children undergo while being sexually abused. The book then gives an unfortunate, but familiar account of sexual abuse and its impact into adulthood.
Chapter 2 – The Abusing Adult looks at typologies of the different adults who abuse and considers the online abuse of children. It explores well researched theories such as Finkelhor (1986), Cycle of Abuse. Then, considerable attention is given to the assessment of adults who sexually abuse children, including the dynamics of abuse and dealing with denial. There are some informative and useful case studies enclosed and some helpful suggestions and checklists that can be used on assessment sessions.
Chapter 3 – The Non-Abusing Adult provides a realistic account of some of the issues facing the non-abusing parent. In particular, it demonstrates the need to make a chronology of the non-abusing parent’s history, to inform the best outcome.
In conclusion the book provides an overview of assessing the non-abusing parent’s ability to protect and provides tips on evaluating any risks, thus the need for future work and/or protective action.
This book is well referenced, easy to read and laid out in three clear chapters. It also includes some useful checklists. To be able to use the book effectively readers do need a good understanding of the theories of sexual offending.
The book should be used as a guide. I would consider using the book in my daily practice as social worker working with young people who sexually harm others. Although the book is about adults we work with the non-abusing parent and some victims of sexual abuse. I would also consider using the book in the training of social work students, either as part of their individual self directed learning or as part of workshop. It offers a good way of structuring assessments for those with less experience of this specialist area and would be a good book to include on a reading list for social work students.
