Citation

Lie GY, Inman A. Soc. Work 1991; 36(5): 396-399.

Affiliation

School of Social Work, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-1802.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, National Association of Social Workers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1925700

Abstract

Anatomical dolls commonly are used to assess allegations of child sexual abuse. Such assessments are based largely on interviews with children and observations of how they play with and handle the dolls. Several recent court decisions have questioned the reliability and validity of anatomical dolls as an assessment and evidentiary tool. This article reviews the literature on the use of anatomical dolls and highlights issues concerning their diagnostic and forensic efficacy. The authors identify and discuss implications of the use of these dolls for social work practice and research.

Language: en