Lyon, Thomas D., Wylie, Breanne E. and Szojka, Zsofia A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4126-1261 (2025) Understanding child sexual abuse: disclosures, delays, and denials. In: Lamb, Michael E., Hershkowitz, Irit and Pipe, Margaret-Ellen, (eds.) Child Sexual Abuse: Why Children Disclose or Deny Being Abused. Routledge - Taylor & Francis, New York. ISBN 978-1003427155 (doi:10.4324/9781003427155)

PDF (Accepted Book Chapter) 50723 SZOJKA_Understanding_Child_Sexual_Abuse_Disclosures_Delays_And_Denials_(AAM)_2025.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (372kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Reviewing the research on children’s disclosure of sexual abuse when questioned by authorities, Lyon et al. demonstrate that initial denial is common among abused children, occurring in about half of cases. The challenge is to determine whether such denials and subsequent allegations are attributable to suggestibility or reluctance. The child’s closeness to the suspect and the supportiveness of the child’s family are important correlates of delay and denial. Interview characteristics associated with disclosure include prior disclosures, whether the child is being asked about abuse for the first time, and characteristics of the interview, including supportiveness and the specific questions asked. Suggestibility does not seem to explain the high rates of denial and delayed disclosure.

Item Type:	Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords:	child abuse, disclosure, denial
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) K Law > K Law (General) R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ101 Child Health. Child health services
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences > School of Law & Criminology (LAC)
Last Modified:	10 Jul 2025 12:55
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/50723

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