Introduction
Child abuse occurs in different forms, which include sexual, physical, emotional and psychological abuse. These forms of child abuse are common in the society, and psychologists play a vital role in the area of forensic practice. This has led to a great overlap between forensic psychology and family law. They are often called to asses allegations of child abuse. Assessment will involve interviewing the victim using specialized techniques designed to elicit complete and accurate account of the child’s experiences. When use of specialized techniques questioning and methodology is minimized, it will lead to reduced accuracy of the child’s account.
Child abuse is seen to have immediate, chronic consequences which include; substance abuse, perpetual motor deficits, suicidal behavior, and reduced academic performance, psychological and emotional disturbances. The effects of child abuse become more dangerous when there is intergenerational transmission of violence. It is observed that over 70% of children are more likely to abuse their own children (Huss, 2008). As a result of child abuse allegations, it is essential for forensic scientists carrying out assessments to conduct comprehensive evaluations, especially when an allegation is made.
The principal problem
One of the dangers of assessing child abuse is the rising cases where syndrome evidence is introduced to prove that a child is being abused. Particularly, Parental alienation syndrome has been introduced to prove the existence of abuse. Experts may inappropriately testify to an alleged perpetrator who exhibits several characteristics of a child abuser, then concluding that they must have abused the child. The characteristics may include; feeling of inadequacy, drug and substance abuse, impulsivity, dysfunctional family origin, poor judgment among others. Although the characteristics are common in abusers, they can also be common in a number of people. The presence of the characteristics does not conclusively indicate that they have abused the child in question. Therefore, allegations of child abuse pose a problem because it is the word of a child against that of an adult without further indication (Huss, 2008).
Another form of syndrome abuse of abuse Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP); this is a form of child abuse where the mother constantly subjects the child to medical attention without true medical conditions or symptoms being present. In Munchausen syndrome by proxy, the child’s symptoms are directly induced by the parent or falsified. MSBP cases are common in homes, where victims are often young ranging from 6-8 years (Asitnow, 2004). In case histories of MSBP, it illustrates an over involved mother, and emotionally distant father. The mothers are often lonely and ‘empty’ and have experience significant physical, emotional and sexual abuse during their own childhood (Bartol and Bartol, 2008, pg 382). According to Bartol, the mother always appears as the ideal parent, and she is seen to be extremely concerned, attentive, loving and devoted. However, she is also seen as obsessed and over protective with the child’s illness. Extreme forms of this child abuse can cause serious injuries and sometimes death.
Verification of MSBP can be done by psychologists whereby, symptoms disappear when the …