Centers of Excellence: Sex Abuse

As sex abuse has begun to move out of the shadows and into the open, the work of the 55-year-old Joseph J. Peters Institute has become increasingly important. This was one of the first places nationwide to address the psychological aspects of the problem, and it continues to be a treatment leader, providing counseling to children, teens and adults who’ve been victimized as well as to abusive teens and adult offenders — the majority of whom are referred by the courts. Professionals — clergy, teachers, therapists, physicians — who’ve abused or exploited those in their care are seen in a special program created for their needs. Nearly a decade ago, the institute recognized that treatment wasn’t enough and sponsored a national nonprofit educational organization, “Stop It Now!,” to promote prevention and intervention (100 South Broad Street, 215-701-1560, jjp.org).