In an analysis of the disclosure by a large number of children
from three to 17 years of age of having been sexually abused, and who
were eventually confirmed as credible victims, the large majority at
first denied the abuse. The authors describe disclosure as a process
with definable phases and characteristics--seldom the single entity
that typical investigations consider disclosure to be, thereby setting
the stage for ensuring injustices and harm to the children.
Considers 116 children aged 3-17, 62% girls, involved in "sexual abuse" with adults, 96% males, 58% from kernel family, 74% from family.
results: 74% unwanted disclosure (i.e. 14% by sexualised behaviour), 25% disclose wanted by the child.
If the children have told (wanted or unwanted), then in 72% only after denying at first. 22% have later removed their accusations, but 98% of these later told that their previous accusations have been true.