Acquiring courage to face the truth: shifts in attitudes toward child sexual abuse
Acquiring courage to face the truth: shifts in attitudes toward child sexual abuse

Summary/Abstract: In science, culture and morality, from a historical point of view, we can see gradual changes in attitudes toward the child sexual abuse phenomenon. While by the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century scholars as well as laypeople had a strong tendency to deny and minimize this socio-pathological phenomenon, by the end of the 20th century, thanks to scientific progress and public awareness raising, the society began to accept the cruel truth about child sexual abuse. This topic is no longer such a big taboo and people are able to speak more openly about it (especially through the media, social networks and nongovernmental organizations). Readiness to act – the courage to intervene, help victims and hold perpetrators accountable – is also changing.

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