One controversy regarding childhood sexual abuse is whether the
increased rate of reported cases reflects a true increase in
prevalence. In this report, data obtained in the 1970s and 1980s were
compared with those of the 1940s. Using predetermined criteria for
quality of information, commonality of definitions of childhood sexual
abuse, and research design, the authors reviewed the Kinsey report
published in 1953 and 19 prevalence studies reported in the last 10
years. Interrater reliability was .97 for each paper. In spite of
differences in study designs and populations surveyed, where
definitions of childhood sexual abuse were similar, the more recent
studies with the strongest methodology reported prevalence figures
similar to those of Kinsey in the 1940s, ie, 10% to 12% of girls
younger than 14 years of age. Thus it would appear that increased
reporting is due to changes in legislation and social climate rather
than a true increase in prevalence. The absence of an increase in
prevalence of childhood sexual abuse should not deter those interested
in pursuing solid research in prevention and treatment because any
childhood sexual abuse is too much.