NCJ Number
170812
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 6 Issue: 3 Dated: (1997) Pages: 99-121
Date Published
1997
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This study demonstrates that a cluster of several of six clinical findings is a potential indicator of internal corroboration that trauma occurred, especially that of child sexual abuse.
Abstract
The study was based on clinical experience and review of the clinical and legal research literature. The six clinical findings that are potential indicators of corroboration of trauma include: (1) presence of a high risk disorder or illness; (2) post-traumatic stress disorder; (3) age regression, flashbacks, abreactions or other reexperiencing of the trauma; (4) repetitions, repetition compulsions or reenactments; (5) characteristics of the memories themselves; and (6) other patterns, dynamics, and connections. Researchers know that sexually abused children have more symptoms than do nonabused children, although they usually display no clear syndrome. While direct or external verification has more often been sought and used in court, knowing indirect, clinical, at times circumstantial, or internal verification that clinicians and survivors use can help to substantiate the authenticity of a traumatic memory. This article may be one of the first to compile an organized approach to internal signals of past trauma, especially that of child sexual abuse. Tables, figure, notes, references