NCJ Number
139794
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1992) Pages: 570-578
Date Published
1992
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This commentary identifies the increasing body of knowledge that can serve as a foundation for exploring the areas of dispute between those who work with victims of sexual abuse and those who work with the accused.
Abstract
Attention focuses on the known principles and basic facts about sexual abuse and what evokes the emotionality that frequently interferes with a rational exchange between professionals. Areas of agreement relate to prevalence, victim and offender profiles, memory of events, percentage of true reports, and causes of fictitious reports. It is agreed that sexual abuse is experienced by many children. No profile of a child or adult victim or of an offender can be used to accurately classify individuals in either group. There also is no reliable way to distinguish true from false accusations or denial. It is a known fact that traumatic events can be recalled accurately. Unresolved questions remain legitimate subjects for further scientific inquiry. Professional polarization impedes learning and progress. Those who work with victims may come in contact with mostly genuine cases of sexual abuse but need to acknowledge that false accusations are possible and should be considered. Individuals who work with the accused must acknowledge that some who are accused may be guilty. Both groups need to concede that in any specific case, the truth of what occurred may never be completely known. 2 references