Problems in Validating Allegations of Sexual Abuse. Part 1: Factors Affecting Perception and Recall of Events

BENEDEK, ELISSA P.; SCHETKY, DIANE H.

doi:10.1097/00004583-198726060-00016

« Previous Next »Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Volume 26, Issue 6 , Pages 912-915, November 1987

Problems in Validating Allegations of Sexual Abuse. Part 1: Factors Affecting Perception and Recall of Events

Dr. Benedek is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical Center, and Director of Training and Research, Center for Forensic Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr. Schetkey is Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, College of Medicine.

Received 4 August 1986; received in revised form 25 November 1986; accepted 22 April 1987.

Abstract

Child psychiatrists, pediatricians, and child mental health professionals are concerned by a deluge of referrals requesting evaluation of young children in regard to allegations of sexual abuse. Accurately evaluating an allegation of sexual abuse in a young child is always very difficult and time consuming. This paper explores some of the developmental and emotional factors that influence a child's perception of events. The authors discuss some factors that may lead to a false memory or report of such events. They believe it essential that persons doing these evaluations possess the requisite skills and experience.

Key Words: sexual abuse , perception , recall

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