NCJ Number
146990
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: (1993) Pages: 119- 128
Date Published
1993
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the implications of a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for sexually abused children faced with legal proceedings, with emphasis on the potential relationship between symptoms of PTSD and the phenomenon of denial and retraction of abuse.
Abstract
The empirical research indicates that PTSD is a common consequence of child sexual abuse, but it is not a universal outcome. However, clinicians should routinely include it in their diagnostic assessment. In addition, the child's inability to provide details of the abuse in legal proceedings may simply reflect PTSD symptoms of avoidance. Repeated courtroom interrogations of a child experiencing PTSD could actually intensify the child's capacity to avoid the memory. Thus, the numerous interviews and interrogations preceding and during a trial may in fact contribute to a child's problematic, inconsistent testimony in court. Therefore, the judicial system and clinicians working with sexually abused children should increase their dialogue and understanding of issues related to denial and retraction. These two fields often seem to work at cross purposes, often to the detriment of the mental health needs of children who have been severely traumatized. Further research is needed on the long-term course of PTSD in sexually abused children. 22 references