False accusations of sexual abuse as a mean of revenge in couple disputes.

OBJECTIVE

In forensic-psychiatric evaluations on a minor presumed victim of sexual abuse, one may come across "false positives" and "false negatives". The aim of this study was to examine the phenomenon of false sexual abuse as revenge by one ex-partner against the other, and to offer recommendations about how to avoid this risk.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The authors examined 75 technical consultations and expert testimonials in which intrafamilial sexual abuse of a minor was reported.

RESULTS

Twenty two (30%) were found to be baseless and result of conflict, revenge of one partner upon the other. Of these 22, 5 involved men who accused their ex-wives and/or live-in partners. The remaining 17 cases involved charges by women against their ex- husbands, and/or live-in partners.

CONCLUSIONS

Charges of abuse represent not only an instrument of protection of one's own children, but also a weapon of revenge against an ex-partner, putting these minors into the role of victims.