Of 28 sexually abused children (22 girls and 6 boys) aged 21/2 to 151/2
years, those suffering moderate to extreme emotional disturbance were
female, unsupported by a close adult, molested by their father and by more
than one male relative, genitally molested, and molested from an early age
and over a long period. Twelve children were referred for psychiatric
evaluation due to sexual abuse without apparent symptoms, and 5 solely due
to symptoms, with sexual abuse unknown. The author suggests that child
mental health professionals should improve their skills for identifying
sexually abused children and help parents to be supportive of such
children.Abstract Teaser