NCJ Number
154806
Date Published
1995
Length
95 pages
Annotation
This book attempts to clarify the issue of whether allegations of repressed memories of sexual abuse are to be believed, and to offer guidelines for therapists when they respond to such allegations. The author also offers suggestions for reforms in the management of cases involving repressed memories.
Abstract
The 1970s and 1980s brought a growing awareness of child molestation, particularly intrafamilial sexual abuse. There followed a proliferation of programs focusing on victims, offenders of all ages and spouses of incest perpetrators. A resultant backlash emerged with claims of witch hunts, incompetent therapists, denial of due process, and the violation of parents' rights. There were challenges to statements made by children and a growing uncertainty among therapists about their role in child sexual molestation cases. During the 1980s and early 1990s, some adult women claimed having been sexually abused as children and said they learned of their abuse while in psychotherapy. The concept of repressed memory became popular with some therapists, while others refused to believe in the new concept. The author examines the following questions: (1) Should adults who first allege memories of being sexually abused as children while undergoing treatment be believed? (2) Should therapists provide a different type of treatment in those cases? and (3) What are the arguments for and against? Bibliography, index