NCJ Number
162775
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (1995) Pages: 115- 122
Date Published
1995
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Child sexual abuse assessment is discussed with respect to whether it is reasonable and ethical for a properly qualified expert on child sexual abuse who has performed a thorough evaluation of a child, as well as adults as needed, to testify that the child probably has been sexually abused.
Abstract
Expanding scientific literature on child sexual abuse and guidelines from national professional organizations support the position that it is both appropriate and ethical for properly qualified experts on child sexual abuse to give an opinion as to whether a child has been sexually abused. However, agreement exist that mental health professionals should not give opinion testimony as to a child's truthfulness. A recommended approach in conducting an evaluation of a child is to develop competing major hypotheses, seek facts that may support or refute each hypothesis, and state which hypothesis is supported by the strongest unrefuted facts. Milchman's article has raised additional issues regarding these evaluations and the use of findings. Overall, thorough child sexual abuse evaluations that adhere to ethical guidelines, together with competent expert testimony, can assist courts in their pursuit of truth and the best interests of the child. 17 references