cover image The Politics of Child Abuse: The Politics of Child Abuse

The Politics of Child Abuse: The Politics of Child Abuse

Paul Eberla, Paul Eberle. L. Stuart, $17.95 (319pp) ISBN 978-0-8184-0415-3

Reports of child abuse are on the rise across the United States. Several currently headlined cases are explored by the Eberles, Los Angeles freelance journalists, in their effort to bring the criminal justice system under scrutiny. Beginning with the notorious case of the McMartin preschool in Southern California, they inspect other trials that hinge on the testimony of children. Serious questions are raised about children under pressure: Are they coached and manipulated? The Eberles level charges at so-called political careerists who conduct what the authors describe as a ""child abuse witch hunt.'' This is reporting designed to shock and effect action, focusing on abused adults who have been deprived of rights, victims as well as the children. 15,000 first printing. (November)