Premium
Validation of child sexual abuse: The psychologist's role
Author(s) -
Risin Leslie I.,
McNamara J. Regis
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.124
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1097-4679
pISSN - 0021-9762
DOI - 10.1002/1097-4679(198901)45:1<175::aid-jclp2270450128>3.0.co;2-w
Subject(s) - credibility , psychology , sexual abuse , child sexual abuse , law enforcement , confusion , child abuse , poison control , clinical psychology , social psychology , suicide prevention , medical emergency , medicine , law , political science , psychoanalysis
Because of the recent increase in the reporting of child sexual abuse, validation of sexual abuse allegations has become a major focus of interest. Validation investigations typically have been carried out by a number of professionals involved in social service and law enforcement agencies. Lack of coordination and collaboration among professionals has led to confusion as to the credibility of reports of child sexual abuse. This paper discusses the role of the psychologist in determining the validity of sexual abuse allegations and makes suggestions as to how existing validation procedures can be improved.