NCJ Number
122671
Journal
Behavioral Sciences and the Law Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring 1988) Pages: 201-220
Date Published
1988
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This article explores factors that influence the interaction between a child's experience of sexual abuse within the family and the description of that abuse in a broader social context outside the family.
Abstract
Verifying reports of intrafamilial sexual abuse has become more complex, with doubts raised about the credibility of children as reporters and witnesses. The child must respond to differing contextual cues that are likely to require opposing constructions of "reality." Thus the stage is set for uncertainty, self-contradiction, and lack of reliability. Suggestions are made for improving the handling of reported incest cases by social services and the legal system. 61 references. (Author abstract modified)