Abstract

PONS-SALVADOR, Gemma; MARTINEZ, Alicia; PEREZ, María  and  BORRAS, Juan J.. The evaluation of child sexual abuse: comparison between expert reports depending on the diagnosis of abuse. Psychosocial Intervention [online]. 2006, vol.15, n.3, pp.317-330. ISSN 2173-4712.

The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of confirmed cases of child sexual abuse assessed by skilled professionals versus cases where abuse was not confirmed. The study examined data concerning 61 children who were referred for diagnosis to a specialized team of evaluators. The factors were grouped in three areas: family characteristics, assessment process and psychological impact. The results showed that in the confirmed cases the children were more likely to be in families with severe relation problems and/or drug addictions in one or both parents and reporting negative feelings toward the alleged perpetrator. Moreover, it was also more likely that in the confirmed cases, the victim was one to report the abuse and showed sexualized behavior or sexual knowledge inappropriate for their age.

Keywords : Child sexual abuse; Expert reports and diagnosis of abuse.

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