A resilience-based approach to the recognition and response of child sexual abuse
Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Paediatrics and child health
Abstract
Child sexual abuse is a clear violation of children’s rights with known
lifelong devastating consequences. It occurs across all ages, sexes
and cultures. Cases are underreported and may not be disclosed at
first due to its secretive and hidden nature. It is clear that children
do try to disclose but are not always heard or believed. In this paper
we delve deeper into the recognition and response to suspected
cases of child sexual abuse and the importance of working within a
multidisciplinary team to best safeguard the victims. We emphasize
the importance of asking questions in a direct, empathic and developmentally appropriate manner, such that the child feels believed and
supported. The physical and behavioural changes are described in
suspected cases and possible differential diagnoses. We propose a
resilience-based framework to the management and prevention of
child sexual abuse.
Description
item.page.type
Article
item.page.format
Keywords
sexual abuse, reporting, disclosure, prevention
Citation
Borg, K., Snowdon, C., & Hodes, D. (2018). A resilience-based approach to the recognition and response of child sexual abuse. Paediatrics and child health.