By Stephen M. Raffle, M.D.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services estimates 1 out of 7 females is sexually molested at some time in their lives. In general, the younger the age of molestation, the greater the damage. Sometimes, the damage is repressed, that is, the person puts it out of awareness but always remember it. When a child, male or female, is sexually molested, the child will inevitably undergo an emotional reaction. The reaction(s) may be emotional withdrawal, irritability, forgetfulness, behavioral problems at home and/or at school, inappropriate sexual behavior at school or elsewhere, depression, emotional isolation, sleep disorders, bedwetting, a reversion to baby talk, thumb sucking, or a general failure to reach the next expected stage of emotional development. Often the impact can be life‑changing.

At this time, my associate Dr. Shahla Chehrazi, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, conducts medical‑legal evaluations of younger childhood sexual molestation. I do such assessments for older, more verbal children, adolescents, and adults. We are always alert to false memory syndrome issues in these assessments.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult with their own legal counsel for the most current information and to obtain professional legal advice before acting on any of the information presented.

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