Proximate effects of sexual abuse in childhood: a report on 28 children.

Of 28 sexually abused children (22 girls and 6 boys) aged 21/2 to 151/2 years, those suffering moderate to extreme emotional disturbance were female, unsupported by a close adult, molested by their father and by more than one male relative, genitally molested, and molested from an early age and over a long period. Twelve children were referred for psychiatric evaluation due to sexual abuse without apparent symptoms, and 5 solely due to symptoms, with sexual abuse unknown. The author suggests that child mental health professionals should improve their skills for identifying sexually abused children and help parents to be supportive of such children.