Probative aspects of the medical evaluation for child sexual abuse

Nohejl, J

doi:10.1002/bsl.2370100404

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 47 publications

(32 reference statements)

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“…Another risk is that practitioners might commit errors that contaminate the chain of evidence and hinder a prosecutor's ability to present compelling evidence in a legal proceeding. Verbal report has a critically important role in sexual abuse investigations, as it is common for medical examination of child victims to yield unremarkable findings or equivocal findings (Bays & Chadwick, 1993;Davis, 1987;Monteleone et al, 1994;Nohejl, 1992). Because there is no known psychological profile for the diagnosis of child sexual abuse (Bruck, Ceci, & Hembrooke, 1998;O'Donohue, 1991), a child victim's verbal report is likely to be the primary evidence in a sexual abuse case (Bottoms, 1993;Bruck et al, 1998;Pipe & Goodman, 1991).…”

Section: The Role Of School Psychologistsmentioning

confidence: 95%

Sexual interest in children, child sexual abuse, and psychological sequelae for children

Bromberg

Johnson²

2001

Psychology in the Schools

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This article reviews the literature on sexual victimization of minors and the role of school psychologists in assessing and intervening with sexually abused minors. Although estimates of child sexual abuse prevalence differ widely owing to disclosure biases and the definitions that researchers have used in studying it, it is clear that child sexual abuse is a serious public problem. Also troubling is the extent to which "normal" adults, especially males, exhibit sexual interest in children, suggesting that a substantial number may be at risk for victimizing minors; fortunately, a variety of inhibitory mechanisms prevent most adults from committing this crime. Although victims typically suffer from sexual abuse, surprisingly, some evidence suggests that victims of sexual abuse can exhibit neutral or even positive outcomes, a controversial finding that has numerous possible explanations. Tragically, childhood sexual abuse may lead the victim to become an abuser later in life, sometimes while still a minor. We suggest directions for future research.

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Section: The Role Of School Psychologistsmentioning

confidence: 95%

Sexual interest in children, child sexual abuse, and psychological sequelae for children

Bromberg

Johnson²

2001

Psychology in the Schools

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“…Though cases of child maltreatment in general are difficult to determine with certainty, it is especially difficult to determine when an episode of child sexual abuse has occurred, in part because of the lack of precise definitions about what constitutes such maltreatment (Haugaard & Reppucci, 1988; National Research Council, 1993). Further, the fact that physical evidence is not present in a substantial number of cases, and the controversy surrounding the significance of evidence even when it exists (Haslam, 1989; Marshall, Puls, & Davidson, 1988; Nohejl, 1992), poses problems for the investigator who is trying to determine if allegations of sexual abuse have merit.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Rush to judgment?: Child protective services and allegations of sexual abuse.

Levine¹,

Doueck²,

Freeman³

et al. 1998

American Journal of Orthopsychiatry

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Two hundred and ninety‐three randomly selected cases from a child protection service agency in a large western New York county were examined to test the hypothesis that sexual abuse allegations are investigated and processed more intensively than cases alleging other types of maltreatment. Contrary to the hypothesis, allegations of sexual abuse were substantiated at a lower rate, not investigated more intensively, and not offered more services than were other cases.

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The Role of Physicians in Reporting and Evaluating Child Sexual Abuse Cases

Kerns

Terman²,

Larson³

1994

The Future of Children

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Physicians become involved in child sexual abuse when they must report suspected abuse or when they are asked to medically evaluate a child who is an alleged victim of abuse. This article reviews recent progress in the medical profession's attention to child sexual abuse and discusses current issues surrounding reporting and medical evaluation. The reporting requirement raises several concerns for pediatricians. Their legal responsibilities as reporters may conflict with their traditional relationship with the family as a unit and with the confidentiality of the doctor-patient relationship. Knowledge about pediatric anogential anatomy is in a relatively early stage of development, and few pediatricians receive training adequate to enable them to determine whether medical observations are consistent with sexual abuse. Even fewer pediatricians receive training in the unique considerations and needs present when taking the medical history of a possible abuse victim or when preserving evidence for possible later use in court. The medical evidentiary evaluation of suspected sexual abuse also raises a number of concerns. There is great variability in referral patterns, which determine whether a medical examination will be requested and whether a general practice physician or a specialist will be asked to conduct the exam. Although professional medical associations have laid out broad outlines of recommended procedures for medical exams when sexual abuse is suspected, more detailed protocols are needed for addressing the many cases where findings are ambiguous or subtle. Often physicians need training in forensics and assistance in coordinating services with multiple agencies and professions. Finally, attention must be given to ensuring adequate cost reimbursement for medical evaluations.

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Probative aspects of the medical evaluation for child sexual abuse

Abstract: The medical evaluation of a child for sex abuse has been viewed by some as an acid-test for the presence of abuse. This article examines the medical evaluation for child sexual abuse, evidence potentially revealed by the examination, and the probative value of such evidence.

Cited by 3 publications

References 47 publications

Sexual interest in children, child sexual abuse, and psychological sequelae for children

Sexual interest in children, child sexual abuse, and psychological sequelae for children

Rush to judgment?: Child protective services and allegations of sexual abuse.

The Role of Physicians in Reporting and Evaluating Child Sexual Abuse Cases

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