Sexual abuse of children. A comparative study of intra and extra-familial cases

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2009

Authors

Teresa Magalhães (Author) FMUP; Taveira, F (Author) Other; Jardim, P (Author) Other; Santos, L (Author) Other; Matos, E (Author) Other; Santos A (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine

Vol. 16

Pages: 455-459

ISSN: 1752-928X

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 17 Citations

Scopus - 30 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-ER0

DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2009.05.007

Abstract (EN): The existing data suggest that individuals experiencing intra-familial abuse are affected more significantly than those experiencing extra-familial abuse. This study aims to identify possible differences between these types of abuse. A retrospective study was performed based on medico-legal reports related to children suspected of being sexually abused (n = 1054). The results revealed that 40.2% of the suspected abuses were intra-familial and were significantly different than extra-familial cases with respect to the following: (a) the complainants were younger; (b) their relationship to the alleged abuser was closer; (c) the alleged abusers had higher rates of previous sexual abuse; (d) the suspected abuses were less intrusive physically; (e) there was less physical but more psychological violence; (f) the delay between the last abuse and the medico-legal examination was greater; and (g) there were fewer physical signs and DNA evidence (none in the great majority of cases). These results highlight aspects of intra-familial abuse that have been identified as factors influencing the severity of its consequences - physically, these instances of abuse were less intrusive but psychologically they were more intrusive than extra-familial abuse. This justifies the use of different strategies in the diagnosis and support for victims within the family.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5