WHY IS BELIEVING THAT ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS TO TELL THE TRUTH POTENTIALLY HARMFUL TO YOUR CASE?

Most often when false allegations of sexual or physical abuse of a child are made, the accused parent is almost always caught completely off-guard. Parents who find themselves in this unfortunate situation are generally completely dumbfounded by the allegations because the thought of abusing any child is something that is not even remotely in their character or within their comprehension. Because of this, the falsely accused parent will almost always conclude, "this is all a big mistake!" The idea that the other parent had malisciously and with intent coersed their child to make false allegations or he or she made these allegations on behalf of the child does not even enter the falsely accused parent's mind. Nor does the falsely accused parent realize that considerable thought and planning have gone into making the false allegations of physical or sexual abuse. As a consequence, parents who find themselves falsely accused of abusing their child or children do not realize the challenges that lie ahead for them.

Unfortunately, many falsely accused parents stand by the belief that all they need to do is "tell the truth and everything will be okay." Depending on the circumstances and how outwardly credible the allegations are, setting things straight by telling the truth may or may not be enough. In situations where the evidence provided seems credible, simply telling the truth may actually cause more harm than good. This is not to say that one should lie - it means that one should look beyond speaking to the authorities (i.e., police or child protective services) without having an attorney present. Since being accused of sexually abusing a child is almost the situation in which "one is guilty until proven innocent", it is important that no information is put on the record without competent legal advice. Having what seems to be a frank and honest talk with the authorities without legal representation may hurt you more than it will help you. The potential seriousness of these allegations cannot be overstated.

Attempts at Dealing with False Allegations of Sexual Abuse on Your Own Can Waste Valuable Time

Time is of the essence when a parent finds him or herself falsely accused of abusing his or her child. You can be assured that the person behind making the false allegations will be working deligently to make these allegations stick. In cases where false allegations of sexual abuse are made against a parent, it is common for the allegations to grow and become more serious. It is also common for the parent behind the false allegations of abuse to secure a therapist or a counselor to act as the professional who receives the allegations. In many cases, the accusing parent "shops" until he or she finds a naive or inexperienced therapist who unknowingly gets pulled into the role of being the child's advocate in criminal proceedings. In light of these circumstances, it is important that parents who are falsely accused of physically or sexually abusing a child respond quickly by seeking an attorney and developing a strategic and investigative plan to address the false allegations.

How to Overcome Obstacles & Challenges of False Allegations of Sexual Abuse

Dealing with false allegations of physical or sexual abuse are major challenges. However, when a case is managed strategically, the chance of having a positive outcome increases greatly. By developing a tailored investigative and strategic plan for effectively dealing with a false allegation of sexual abuse is one that is based on the individual and unique features of a case. With this type of strategic plan the accusing parent's motivation, dysfunctional conduct and manipulation of the child can be readily exposed. A detailed and precise review of the events, documents and reports are all considered part of the makings of a strategic plan since the information gathered often provides ample evidence to show that the sexual abuse did not occur. /p>

In cases where it can be demonstrated that the accusing parent was deliberate and maliscious in his or her actions as opposed to just over-reacting to something a child might have said, it could result in custody going to the "accused" parent. In some cases when the accusing parent's action are deemed to place the child at risk physically and even emotionally, the court may order supervised visitation be part of that parent's access provisions.

Need More Information?

Everyone's concerns are unique. For that reason, Dr. Reena Sommer invites you to call her without obligation for a 15-minute consultation to receive some initial direction about your specific concerns. You can reach Dr. Sommer directly by calling her at 281.534.3923.

*FYI: False-Allegations.com and Dr. Reena Sommer & Associates PLLC only provides consultative and investigative services to individuals who have been "falsely" accused of sexual abuse.

Individuals who have engaged in any inappropriate conduct with any child should not seek our services.