Title: Beyond Munchausen by Proxy: A Proposed Conceptualization for Cases of Recurring, Unsubstantiated Sexual Abuse Allegations
Abstract: Abstract In the emerging literature, cases involving recurring, unsubstantiated allegations of child sexual abuse have generally been categorized as Munchausen by proxy. Recent scholars have recommended restricting the label to the original conceptualization, involving purposeful deception motivated by psychological needs for medical attention. This leaves many cases unclassified that do not fit the Munchausen by proxy criteria, involve significant risks to the child, and ultimately fall outside of existing structures for Child Protective Services/legal intervention. This paper presents a reconceptualization of such cases, proposing to label them "recurring sexual abuse allegation" cases. Defining the set of cases more clearly can aid child protection workers in their management and encourage research on prevalence, consequences to children, treatment strategies, and needed legal reforms. KEYWORDS: sexual abuseMunchausen by proxy The author would like to thank the members of the focus group: Elsa Schaefer, Elizabeth Iddings, Charles Bond, Gwendolyn Jo Carlberg, Barbara Crowling, Louise DiMatteo, Charles Harris, Kathleen Mackay, Christopher Lane, Phyllis Miller, Pablo Moro, Mark Nunes, William Reichardt, Robin Robb, Karen Roysdon, and Laurie Warhol; as well as Benedetta Macri, Roxanne Boggiano, and Rita Brewer, for their research assistance. She also thanks the following social workers from the Fairfax County, Virginia, Department of Family Services for their participation in the project: Maureen Altman, Anne Marie Altmeyer, Cyndi Barker, Teresa Brown, Ann Bussells, Alena Carroll, Pam Carter, Krista Davidson, Jessie Flynn, Frank Gorey, Mary Jo Lynch, Melissa Malakoff, Joanne Murillo, Kevin Ochs, Cynthia Schade, Shali Sharma, Elizabeth Spell, Tanya Valencia, Dinandrea Vega, Jos Waldron, and Kristin Zagar.
Publication Year: 2009
Publication Date: 2009-03-24
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref', 'pubmed']
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Cited By Count: 7
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