'Under the cloak of silence'

Child sexual abuse is a recurring topic in social and educational support for families. The first part serves to gather detailed information. After a review of the historical development different attempts at definition as well as prerequisites for abuse and forms of abuse are examined. How to recognise abuse and a characterisation of victims and perpetrators are also discussed. Sound specialist knowledge is intended to give social education workers confidence in their work with affected children and their parents but also to sensitise them to the symptoms of abuse.The second part focuses on outpatient social education support for abused children who remain in their families. It looks at professional intervention options starting with the emergence of suspicion and continuing through to the support of abuse victims. Finally the support of affected mothers and fathers is also discussed.