Commentary on Kempe C.H. 1978 Sexual Abuse, Another Hidden Pediatric Problem: 1977 C. Anderson Aldrich Lecture: The Legacy of Decisions That Stemmed from This Article/Work: A UK Perspective

Abstract

Despite widespread recognition of the phenomenon of the sexual abuse of children (CSA) in the USA, although other forms of maltreatment were acknowledged, there was considerable resistance to recognition of CSA in the UK. Research on professionals’ actual awareness of sexual harm to children, programs of professional awareness and survivors’ powerful statement broke through the barrier of silence. The establishment of the Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment Service in 1981 helped children to find a voice, and therapeutic provision could be made for victims, caring family members, and perpetrators using a systemic family model. There was a rapid process of community recognition. This was followed by a “backlash” with allegations of faulty investigative methods, and false memories, for example, Cleveland, which threatened to return to an age of secrecy. Improved methods of assessment and prevalence studies are now demonstrating the true current pattern of CSA, and the specific vulnerability of children and young people in the community. There is a need for extensive preventative interventions at all levels if we are to achieve Kempe’s stage when children are wanted, loved, and cared for.