[The sexual abuse of children]

In the last twenty years, the knowledge in the field of child sexual abuse has grown tremendously. The author has selected a few topics of present interest. These relate to the clinical work and researches of "Centre SOS Enfants-U.L.B., C.H.U. Saint-Pierre". First of all, the general background is recalled and summerized: history, definition, statistics, clinical features. Then the paper goes more specific about the criteria that may orient the practitioner to an actual case of CSA. Credibility is an important issue for subsequent action. In that respect, the interview of a presumably victim child is of the utmost importance. Criteria and common examples are presented. A study that we conducted about the victims, parents and professionnals' opinions opens to the discussion of key issues in the management of a case. The central role of the mother's reaction is higlighted. A recent clinical research speeks for a strong psychological and social support of the mother. This opens to the wide subject of therapy. Best appropriated strategies are outlined. The contribution of group therapy is documented. The issue of the treatment of the perpetrators - adults or adolescents - is briefly discussed. It is concluded that CSA confront the practioners to a complex multilateral approach. The present paper aknowledges their difficulties and provides them with a set of marks that should be part of their tool box in the front line.