A meta-analysis of the prevalence of child sexual abuse disclosure in forensic settings |
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| Institution: | 1. The Hospital for Sick Children, Division of Pediatric Medicine, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada;2. University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;3. Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre, 400 3820-24 Avenue NW, Calgary, AB T3B 2X9, Canada;4. Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Heritage Medical Research Building, 3330 Hospital DriveNW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;1. School of Human Services and Social Work, and Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Logan Campus, University Drive, Meadowbrook, Queensland 4131, Australia; and Ministry of Social Affairs, Republic of Indonesia;2. School of Human Services and Social Work, and Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Logan Campus, University Drive, Meadowbrook, Queensland 4131, Australia;3. Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University, Australia;1. Moray House School of Education & Sport, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom;2. Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, McGill University, Canada;3. John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, United States;1. University of Eastern Finland, School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, P.O. Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland;2. University of Jyväskylä, Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Finland;3. Psychology at Åbo Akademi University, Helsinki University Hospital, Forensic Psychology Center for Children and Adolescents, 20500 Turku, Finland;4. University of Tampere, School of Social Science and Humanities, 33014, Finland |
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| Abstract: | BackgroundIdentification, substantiation, prosecution, and treatment of child sexual abuse often rely heavily on a disclosure from the victim in the absence of corroborating evidence. For some, disclosure can be impeded by developmental or motivational barriers, thus compromising child safety and wellbeing. The literature on disclosure prevalence and mitigating influences does not yield a coherent picture. A more accurate estimate will help to inform investigation strategies to facilitate disclosure.ObjectiveThis study provides a meta-analysis of available research examining the prevalence of sexual abuse disclosure in forensic interviews with children under 18 years, and examines a range of factors that may influence the likelihood of disclosure.MethodDatabases were searched for published and unpublished studies up to May 2017. In total, 2393 abstracts were assessed for eligibility, 216 full-text articles were reviewed, and 45 samples (with 31,225 participants) provided estimates of effect sizes.ResultsThe mean prevalence of child sexual abuse disclosure in forensic settings was 64.1% (95% CI: 60.0–68.1). Between-study variability was explained by: (1) child age and gender, with higher prevalence in older children and females; (2) prior disclosure, with higher prevalence when present; and (3) study year, with higher prevalence in more recent studies.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis confirms an upward trend in child sexual abuse disclosure prevalence. However, more than a third of children do not disclose when interviewed, with those who are younger, male, and without a prior disclosure at greatest risk. Important implications for forensic interviewing protocols and future research are discussed. |
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| Keywords: | Child sexual abuse Abuse disclosure Forensic interviews Disclosure prevalence Meta-analysis |
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