CASE-STUDY - ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE CREATED IN A SINGLE INTERVIEW

Objective: To illustrate how young children can be induced to make fal se allegations of sexual abuse. Method: The author presents a case tha t is unusual because elaborate, detailed allegations of sexual abuse c ame about during a single interview, the interviewer was a baby-sitter rather than a mental health professional, and the interview was recor ded on tape. Results: Children can be induced to make elaborate, detai led false statements after being subjected to repetitive, suggestive, and leading questions during a single interview. Conclusions: Child ab use investigators should determine the origin and evolution of allegat ions of abuse. Children should not be removed from their parents if is likely that the allegations against the parents are false.