Forensic Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry

More on the Christie Brinkley Trial

As the court appointed psychiatrist, I had a lot of preparing to do before my testimony. I am gratified that the case settled the day after - with the couple and their attorneys staying up all night! At least the kids can now begin a process of healing. There were many stories in papers across the country and even overseas. Naturally, the media distort things to sensationalize a story. But if you'd like to read a reasonably fair report of my testimony, go to this site for Newsday, a Long Island newspaper:

Trial Testimony Reported by Newsday  

More on Child Trauma

In the 1980s, allegations of sexual abuse appeared throughout the country. These included as alleged victims: small children, members of cults and satanic worshippers,older children who had uncovered a memory (supposedly), former altar boys accusing priests of having molested them, nursery school children, kids riding buses, and on and on.

Now, don't get me wrong. Sexual abuse is a very real and serious offense. It occurs in families across all socioeconomic strata and throughout the world. However, I want to focus on bogus claims, because they have caused much damage to families - including the child who is the putative victim.

To begin this series of posts, check out an introduction to sexual abuse provided by the American Psychological Association. Later, I'll write about some of my experiences over the years evaluating these cases:
                                                       Sexual Abuse