False and Mistaken Allegations of Sexual Abuse (From American Psychiatric Press Review of Psychiatry, Volume 10, 1991, P 320-335, Allan Tasman, Stephen M. Goldfinger, eds. -- See NCJ-137524)

• NCJ Number: 137527
• Author(s): A Yates
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: American Psychiatric Press, Inc
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The chapter examines instances in which children have accused or become part of an allegation of sexual abuse where no abuse has occurred and the impact of such allegations on the child and the family.

Abstract

False and mistaken accusations of sexual abuse usually arise in the course of a custody or visitation battle, but on occasion are made by emotionally disturbed older children and adolescents. Some unusual cases are cited as examples of false or erroneous accusations on the part of older children. Case examples also illustrate the ways in which preschool children may be drawn into a false parental accusation of sexual abuse. One potential consequence of a false or mistaken allegation of sexual abuse is that the child ultimately comes to believe that he or she was truly sexually abused and incorporates those characteristics of an abused child into his or her identity. 30 references