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Weighing Evidence In Sexual Abuse Evaluations: An Introduction To Bayes's Theorem, James M. Wood
Weighing Evidence In Sexual Abuse Evaluations: An Introduction To Bayes's Theorem, James M. Wood
James M. Wood
This article introduces readers to Bayes' theorem, a simple mathematical formula that can illuminate general issues and assist evaluators in the field of child sexual abuse. The theorem is applied to a case study of sexual abuse allegations that arose during a custody dispute.
How Do Children Tell: The Disclosure Process In Child Sexual Abuse, April Bradley, James M. Wood
How Do Children Tell: The Disclosure Process In Child Sexual Abuse, April Bradley, James M. Wood
James M. Wood
Children's disclosure of sexual abuse has been described as a quasi-developmental process that includes stages of denial, reluctance, disclosure, recantation, and reaffirmation (Sorenson & Snow, 1991, Summit, 1983). It has been reported that nearly 75% of sexual abuse victims initially deny abuse and that nearly 25% eventually recant their allegations (Sorenson & Snow, 1991). The present study examined disclosures in 234 sexual abuse cases validated by Protective Services in El Paso, Texas. Denial of abuse occurred in 6% of cases, and recantation in 4% of cases in which a child had already disclosed abuse. Four of the eight victims who …