This book focuses on the problem of child abuse and neglect from the victimization to the courtroom, from the impact at the time of the abusive incident to adulthood, from methods helpful in reducing stress for children called upon to testify in court to strategies helpful for the clinician in handling courtroom testimony more constructively. Characteristics seen in these dysfunctional families are reviewed along with the behavioral and medical indicators of abuse.

Issues discussed include parental denial, child placement, as well as the adult non-survivor of childhood victimization. Special emphasis is placed on the clinical and medical assessment of the child victim. For example, a detailed discussion on the use of drawings, story telling, fables, and anatomical dolls gives a step by step understanding on using these techniques. In addition, a chapter is devoted to the medical assessment.

Finally, the chapter on courtroom testimony focuses on the child as a witness, the sources of stress and methods to reduce stress for the child, and helpful strategies for the expert witness including the writing of the court report. This book is designed for the mental health practitioner, pediatrician, family physician, psychiatrist, police, and the child protective service specialist.