[Responsibility of child guidance counseling services in suspected sexual abuse]

Abstract

Some of the widely accepted assumptions concerning the correct way of dealing with alleged sexual abuse of children are considered. The claim is made that sexualized behaviour need not always be an indication for sexual abuse, but could rather result from a sexualized children culture or tradition. The teaching that one must always believe juveniles who claim that they have been sexually abused is considered doubtful an the general claim that "fathers are the abusers" is criticized. The suitability of the victim-perpetrator terminology for the work in child guidance centres is questioned. Finally, the frequently recommended conspirative way of dealing with allegations is rejected and instead the plea is made for closer co-operation between experts and police or state prosecutor. All in all it ist argued that child guidance centres should call more attention to their own particular possibilities in dealing with sexual abuse.