Revista: Revista Chilena de Neuro-Psiquiatría

Resumen: A definition is given of child sexual abuse (CSA) for the purposes of this publication. The data was obtained from clinical records. Sexual abuse is described in a population of 44 children and adolescents of both sexes, 24 girls (54.5%) and 20 boys (45.5%) that were seen at the Pediatric Mental Health Service of Roberto del Rio Hospital during 1998 either directly for the sexual abuse, for psychiatric pathologies associated with the situation, or because of a past history of CSA. The sexual abuse was generally the more serious type carrying more serious legal penalties (mouth, vaginal or anal penetration, or attempted penetration) and affected 62.5% of the girls and 55% of the boys. The abusers included both adults (over the age of 18) and adolescents (under 18), 79.5% and 20.5% respectively. Abusers were relatives or acquaintances in 90.9% of the cases, and 66.7% were cases of intrafamily sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is an emerging pathology in the pediatric psychiatric services, and it must be intentionally sought so that it does not go undetected. The need to establish multiprofessional groups is suggested in order to protect minors from subsequent abuse and to facilitate the recovery of the family members affected.

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