ANN ARBOR—Greater emphasis on the danger of false allegations of child sexual abuse is misdirected: The attention should be placed on the danger of being sexually abused and not disclosing the abuse, a University of Michigan professor says.

“Children have lost their voice,” said Kathleen Coulborn Faller, a professor in the School of Social Work and director of the Family Assessment Clinic. “Although publicity about priest cases helps some, it has not turned the tide in favor of children.” Children who report sexual abuse must continue to meet a high threshold by providing a detailed account to authorities in order to be believed, she said. Only about 10 percent of the cases ever reach the criminal courts and about half are lost at trial, she said. Faller provides comprehensive coverage of child sexual abuse in her new book, “Understanding and Assessing Child Sexual Maltreatment.” Sage Publications, Inc. published the 307-page book. Applying more than 25 years of clinical and research experience, Faller offers authoritative guidance to practitioners. Since the book’s first edition was published in 1990, there have been impressive developments in child sexual abuse research and practice, she said. But more significantly, a backlash against the child abuse victims, Child Protective Services and mental health professionals has impacted nearly every aspect of research, assessment and intervention, Faller said. Faller—who also has studied the co-occurrence of child maltreatment and parental substance abuse, mental illness and domestic violence—writes about the extent, definitions and indicators of child sexual abuse. She discusses how mental health professionals collaborate with child protection, police and lawyers in child sexual abuse cases. She also addresses in detail the child interview—describing interview structure, questioning techniques, and the use of media or props. Finally, the book deals with special populations: sexual abuse in day care and foster care, and allegations of sexual abuse in divorce cases. For additional information, contact Faller at (734) 763-3786, or visit www.ssw.umich.edu/faculty/profile-kcfaller.html