Research on Disclosure of Child Sexual Abuse

Research on Disclosure of Child Sexual Abuse

Prevalence of Sexual Abuse of Children Despite widespread agreement that sexual abuse of children is a serious problem, disagreement exists about its prevalence. The true scope of child sexual abuse is difficult to measure because of inaccuracies inherent in the methodology of empirical research. For example, incidence figures from child protection agencies include only cases…

Questioning Strategies for Forensic Interviews of Children

Questioning Strategies for Forensic Interviews of Children

When children disclose sexual abuse it is common for them to undergo a forensic interview, often at a child advocacy center with a professional who has received specialized training in interviewing children. A forensic interview is a structured conversation that is designed to obtain information from the child about an event the child has experienced….

Interviewing Children about Allegations of Sexual Abuse

Interviewing Children about Allegations of Sexual Abuse

The prevalence of child sexual abuse is marked by disagreement of whether national statistics accurately reflect its incidence rates. Some experts argue that studies underestimate the true extent because all cases of sexual abuse are not reported to authorities. Other experts argue that studies overestimate the incidence rates of child sexual abuse because they include…

Assessing Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse

Assessing Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse

A widely reported finding in mental health journals and other media sources is that allegations of child sexual abuse are increasing. Due to their nature, these allegations require investigation in order to distinguish bona fide accusations from those that are false. In many cases definitive physical evidence does not exist and other means of establishing…

Supporting Long-distance Father-child Relationships

Supporting Long-distance Father-child Relationships

The father’s role in a child’s life has an important influence on the child’s self-image, capacity to form positive relationships and moral development. Since divorced mothers usually obtain primary physical custody, a common consequence for children is reduced time spent with their fathers. In extreme cases, some fathers, particularly men who have not played an…