Citation

Maddock JW. Behav. Sci. Law 1988; 6(2): 201-219.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/bsl.2370060205

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Verifying reports of intrafamilial sexual abuse has become more complex, with doubts raised about the credibility of children as reporters and witnesses. This article explores factors that influence the interaction between a child's experience of sexual abuse within the family and the description of that abuse in a broader social context outside the family. The child must respond to differing contextual cues that are likely to require opposing constructions of "reality." Thus the stage is set for uncertainty, self-contradiction, and lack of reliability. Suggestions are made for improving the handling of reported incest cases by social service and legal systems.

Language: en