Child Abuse Rates Hard to Uncover

Congratulations to Garry Abrams on his article on Dr. Astrid Heger and her child abuse program at L.A. County-USC Medical Center (“I Love the Kids,” Nov. 22). He skillfully related how painful and important this work is, and helped the public understand that there are true champions out there dedicated to making this world a better place for child victims and families.

I do want to clarify a brief, yet significant, reference in the article to the skepticism of the mid-’80s. The statement refers to “widespread false reports of child abuse several years ago.”

There were many alleged child sexual abuse cases that were closed or unsuccessfully prosecuted because they could not be substantiated. In most cases, we do not know if they were “false.” The substantiation rate for all child abuse reports continues to fall far short of the reporting rate.

It is also true that medical evidence alone cannot substantiate or rule out child abuse; most chronic child sexual abuse does not leave evidence of acute injury.

The important issues, as the article effectively articulates, are that sexual abuse is tragically traumatic to children; such cases are extremely difficult to prove or disprove, and evaluation of the child should be done in the most comprehensive, scientific and compassionate manner possible.

Thank you for a compelling story on how Heger’s dedication has influenced this quest for excellence in our county and around the world.

DEANNE TILTON

Executive Director

Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect

Los Angeles