NCJ Number
122670
Journal
Behavioral Sciences and the Law Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring 1988) Pages: 153-180
Date Published
1988
Length
27 pages
Annotation
Criminal and civil proceedings are outlined for cases of intrafamilial child abuse.
Abstract
A neglected or abused child incurs two primary forms of State legal intervention: either criminal prosecution against the offender is launched or child protection intervention and a civil action is started in juvenile or family court. Statutory reforms and court decisions in the area of sex abuse are reviewed, citing their potential beneficial and harmful effects on both offenders and victims. Finally, the roles of children and mental health experts in court proceedings are discussed. This article provides an overview of the legal issues including the issue of false reports of child sexual abuse, particularly in custody cases, and the debate about methods of interviewing abused children. 126 notes. (Author abstract modified)