Title of website:  The Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers

URL of website:  http://www.atsa.com/

Score:  10

Annotation:  The Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers is a non-profit, interdisciplinary organization that was founded in 1984 to “foster research, facilitate information exchange, further professional education and provide for the advancement of professional standards and practices in the field of sex offender evaluation and treatment.
ATSA is an international organization focused specifically on the prevention of sexual abuse through effective management of sex offenders.”  Membership opportunities are available but one must have certain credentials in order to be considered.  Since the mission of the organization is to eliminate sexual victimization, it is critical to ensure that members hold clinical or closely related credentials.  Position papers, such as one that describes the difference between a pedophile and a child molester, are located in the Public Policy section.  Additionally, one can conduct a national search for a related job or download the document “Risk Assessment” which is an empirically based article.

Reference: 

The Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers. (2005). The Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers Homepage. Retrieved on April 22, 2005 from http://www.atsa.com/

Title of website:  Child Abuse Prevention Network

URL of website:  http://child-abuse.com/  

Score:  7

Annotation:  The Child Abuse Prevention Network is a strong web resource with a number of opportunities for personal involvement and investment in Child Abuse Prevention.  Membership to this organization is available via this site.  In addition, several news group links are accessible.  These range from abuse recovery to child and family-friendly links.  Conference information is provided that includes on site and on line learning opportunities.  Tools that will assist physicians, educators and social services professionals are located within this site.  One valuable example of such a device is the online version of the book (which is both published online and in the process of being written and developed based upon reader feedback) called Travels in the Trench:  Between Child Welfare Theory and Practice by George Thomas.  A host of personal and professional possibilities can be found within the Child Abuse Prevention Network site.

Reference:  Child Abuse Prevention Network. (2003).  Child Abuse Prevention Network Homepage.  Retrieved on April 3, 2005 from http://child-abuse.com/.

Title of website:  Bikers Against Child Abuse

URL of website:  http://www.bacausa.com/  

Score:  5

Annotation:  A totally volunteer-based national organization, Bikers Against Child Abuse has become a formidable force against crimes committed upon children.  With links to The Children's House, and through music, statistics and video, this website is not only powerfully informative but exciting to navigate!  Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) desires to “create a safer environment for abused children” and does so through their “Body of Bikers” empowering children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. BACA works with local and state-based Protective Services officials to “send a clear message to all involved with the abused child that this child is part of our organization, and that we are prepared to lend our physical and emotional support to them by affiliation, and our physical presence. We stand at the ready to shield these children from further abuse.”

Reference: 

Bikers Against Child Abuse. (2005). Bikers Against Child Abuse Homepage. Retrieved on March 22, from http://www.bacausa.com/.

Title of website:  National Organization for Victim Assistance

URL of website:  http://www.trynova.org/  

Score:  7

Annotation:  The site offers hope and healing to the many survivors of violent crime, including children.  A crime and victim witness rights section outlines several rights such as protection from intimidation and harm, the right to be informed concerning the criminal justice process, the right to reparations, the right to preservation of property and employment, the right to due process in criminal court proceedings, the right to be treated with dignity and compassion, and the right to counsel. In addition, there is a section regarding the training provided to professionals whose work exposes them to emotional trauma.  Help for victims offers support to the elderly, disabled and the very youngest of citizens.

Reference: 

National Organization for Victim Assistance. (2005). National Organization for Victim Assistance Homepage.  Retrieved on April 22, 2005 from http://www.trynova.org/.

Title of website:  American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children

URL of website:  http://apsac.fmhi.usf.edu/  

Score:  10

Annotation:  The American Professional Society of the Abuse of Children has a mission to “enhance the ability of professionals to respond to children and families affected by abuse and violence.” Educational information is provided at this site for professionals who work in child maltreatment and related fields.  A Forensic Interview Training Clinic is provided by APSAC and is a forty-hour course focused on the needs of professionals responsible for conducting investigative interviews with children in suspected abuse cases. Membership to APSAC is based upon annual income and students are invited to join as well.  Publications, articles and study guides are provided for a fee which is substantially reduced for members. 

Reference: 

American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children. (2005). American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children Homepage.  Retrieved on March 11, 2005 from  

http://apsac.fmhi.usf.edu/.