The Psychological Impact of the Legal System on Sexually Abused Children

This pilot study involved a retrospective examination of the files of 36 sexually abused children who were assessed at the Monash Medical Centre, Children's Support Centre. Measures of anxiety, depression and behaviour were taken from the case files and a legal involvement scale was devised. Results indicate that children with a greater involvement in the legal system were more depressed. The results of the study show a need for more research to be undertaken to assess the relationship between contact with the legal system and the psychological outcomes of sexually abused children.