The Backlash : Child Protection Under Fire

This controversial work counters the forces that are discrediting allegations and suppressing recognition of the alarming incidence of child abuse in our society. John Myers brings together the work of experts to make the volume crucial reading for anyone concerned with this critical debate.

The book begins with an historical and sociological exploration of the issue. The Backlash then focuses on the experiences of various public bodies charged with child protection, such as Child Protective Services in the United States and their opponents, for example Victims of Child Abuse Laws (VOCAL). The volume also examines the backlash in Europe with a case study from The Netherlands and concludes with a survey of backlash li

University of the Pacific, Stockton, California Although a vigorous battle has been waged to bring child sexual abuse to the forefront in our society, other forces have been at work to suppress recognition of child abuse and to discredit the allegations of young victims. In The Backlash, editor John E. B. Myers has gathered the expertise of major figures in the field to present a timely and thoughtful presentation of the backlash against child protection. Beginning with a historical and sociological perspective of the issue, The Backlash provides the reader with a thorough sampling of perspectives that include county CPS administration, state-level CPS administration, Victims of Child Abuse Laws (VOCAL), the experience of backlash in Europe, and a survey of backlash literature. This book is important for everyone concerned with child protection. Recommendations made by the authors will be of special interest to practitioners, agency administrators, researchers, prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, and policy makers. "This remarkable book ′a report from the front,′ offers views from all sides." --Virginia Child Protection Newsletter "Myers presents a thoughtful analysis of the backlash against child protection, especially by those trying to convince the world that most allegations of child sexual abuse are false." --The Women′s Advocate "This is a provocative book. Child protection has become a highly political issue and this is a very political book. All of these concerned with child protection issues will gain something from reading the material presented here, although reactions are likely to differ sharply. In many ways this is also a timely book, but its true significance will become apparent only with the benefit of hindsight, when child protection practices, and our understanding of the issues involved, have moved on from the present state of turmoil and confusion." --Neil Frude in Legal & Criminological