REEXAMINE THE MODERATION EFFECT OF CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RISK FACTORS AND CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE RECURRENCE

Abstract

Child sexual abuse influences a large part of population and brings serious outcomes to children and their families. Recurrence of abuse suggests that risk factors related to child sexual abuse have not been successfully addressed after the initial abuse, and the resources provided by child protective services (CPS) may have not been efficiently utilized. Due to a considerable increase of child sexual abuse rate in 2018, it is necessary to look back to reconsider this topic. Using the latest 10-year National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) data (2009-2018), this study aims to reexamine recurrence rate, the relevant risk factors, and how CPS is working to reduce the recurrence of child sexual abuse. The results show that the recurrence rates have had an upward tendency in recent years. Some characteristics of children, caregiver, family, and offender were associated with higher risk of experiencing recurrence, while others were related to lower risk of recurrence. Children receiving services were more likely to experience recurrence than those who didn’t receive services, and having received more services increased their likelihood of revictimization. No significant moderation effect of services was found. Implications and limitations of this study were discussed.