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Detection and awareness of child sexual abuse in adult psychiatry

Research Fellow University Department of Psychiatry, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF

Karena Meehan, Honorary Senior Registrar and Clinical Researcher

Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF

^* Correspondence

We investigated the detection and awareness of child sexual abuse by examining case notes. Child sexual abuse was recorded in 4.7% of cases. There was no evidence that enquiry about child sexual abuse or detection of the problem had increased in recent years, and recording of the details of abuse was rare. Victims received more psychological help and less medication than others. We conclude that awareness of the issue has not increased. Previous findings about child sexual abuse are rarely used in evaluation, and diagnosis and drug treatment may be overlooked in some victims.