Don't Blame Me, Daddy

Book excerpt: Noting the increase in false accusations of child sexual abuse where divorce and custody litigation is in progress, this book examines the consequences of such accusations for everyone involved and provides defensive strategies for those falsely accused. The book draws on four case studies, including a personal one, to illustrate the chronology and effects of false allegations brought by the mother against the father, noting commonalities among the cases, and personality traits of the accuser and of the accused. The effects of false allegations and subsequent proceedings on the child are also detailed. The book then explores this phenomenon as "Sexual Allegations in Divorce" or SAID Syndrome, and identifies "red flags" during proceedings that suggest this syndrome may be occurring. The book also examines how social service agencies and courts appear to work in concert to substantiate false allegations rather than investigating to determine the truth, and how therapeutic interventions, when no abuse occurred, can affect children. The dubious use of anatomically correct dolls as evidence of sexual abuse in such cases is also examined. Finally, the book summarizes the legal and social service problems inherent to such cases, offering solutions, and then presents legal and emotional strategies for fighting false allegations. Three appendices include a questionnaire for identifying SAID syndrome, guidelines for determining presence of abuse, and a court monitor checklist. A list of support organizations is included, along with state listings of the Vocal National Network and a 29-item bibliography. (HTH)