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Why is Believing that All You Need to Do is
Tell the Truth 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.
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.
Learn More about
"Investigative & Strategic Case Management"
Services
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