NCJ Number
227144
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 33 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2009 Pages: 193-202
Date Published
March 2009
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study explored the importance of physical findings for cases of child sexual abuse (CSA) in order to advance through the Philippine legal system.
Abstract
Results of this study showed a conviction rate in CSA cases that was similar to those of Western countries, and rulings that primarily depended on children's disclosures. However, the value of having physical findings for cases in order to reach court proceedings was also demonstrated. This study demonstrates several areas in which the Philippine legal system's response to CSA allegations could be improved: the length of the legal process; the reliance on physical finding for CSA cases to reach court; and the equality of investigation, including the gathering and preservation of verbal and trace evidence. Also shown were the specific aspects of the multidisciplinary assessment which could positively impact legal outcomes. Evidence can be documented and preserved, which would be especially helpful in a system where the legal process takes years to be resolved, and doctors' testimonies are associated with more convictions. The basic requirements in CSA cases such as addressing the child's safety, medical and mental health needs, and registering the child in the child protection and criminal justice systems were found to be met. The experiences of the children seen at the Philippine General Hospital Child Protection Unit (PGH-CPU), where medical evaluation is often the entry point into the child protection system, highlights the role of the medical assessment not just in initiating the community response to child abuse, but also in delivering justice and protection for abused children. Data were collected from 486 diagnosed cases of CSA seen at the PGH-CPU between 1997 and 2000. Tables, figure, and references