NEW YORK -- It is a sad paradox that one of the most famous entertainers in the world today should be charged with abusing a child. If Michael Jackson, accused of abusing a boy at his Neverland ranch in California, is found guilty, the verdict will be a tremendous blow to his career.
Even if he is proven innocent, however, his case will have served to direct renewed attention to the issue of sexual abuse of children and the need to implement more effective measures to prevent it.
The sexual abuse of children can take several forms -- from incestuous abuse at home to the use of children (both girls and boys) as prostitutes.