NCJ Number
139061
Date Published
1987
Length
20 pages
Annotation
The extent and validity of allegations of child sexual abuse emerging in family court at the time of a divorce or custody/visitation dispute were examined by means of telephone interviews with personnel of 25 family courts, a survey questionnaire returned by nearly 300 judges and court personnel, an analysis of cases in 12 courts, and about 70 detailed personal interviews at 5 sites.
Abstract
The court sites were chosen to maximize geographic and organizational diversity. Results revealed that courts are encountering a wide range of sexual abuse allegations, usually relating to fondling, exhibitionism, or other inappropriate behaviors. Most reports involve male perpetrators and female victims. Counter-charges also occur sometimes. Allegations occur in 2 to 15 of each 1,000 divorce filings. Typically, the child protective services authorities are notified after an allegation. Investigations are difficult and complex and may involve a wide range of professionals. All but the most flagrant cases are difficult to validate. In general, the court is best served when the evaluation report is prepared by an experienced evaluator based on multiple interviews and standardized tests and focused on the allegation but not to the exclusion of other family dynamics and parental strengths and weaknesses. Footnotes