THE USE OF CHILDREN’S DRAWINGS AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL IN CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMS
Küçük Resim Yok
Tarih
2026
Dergi Başlığı
Dergi ISSN
Cilt Başlığı
Yayıncı
Romanian Legal Medicine Society
Erişim Hakkı
info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
Özet
Objectives. This study investigates whether drawings facilitate self-expression in child victims of sexual abuse and if their interpretation provides data to assist the forensic evaluation of such cases. Material and methods. Participants were given instructions found in the literature: “Draw a Person” [DAP], “Draw Yourself” [DY] and “Draw the Suspect” [DAS]. The drawings obtained were examined by forensic experts with training and experience in children’s drawings according to criteria defined in the literature [paper usage, figure size, head without a body, omission of pupils, omission of the body, shape of the legs, presence of hands, shape of the mouth, double chin, facial features, presence of phallic objects, and presence of breasts, penis, and belly…]. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS v.22. Results. Between January 1, 2016, and June 30, 2024, 122 cases were referred to our Department and the Child Observation Center [COC] by judicial authorities on allegations of sexual abuse. The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in “pupil omission,” “head without body,” and “body omission” when comparing the suspect’s drawings with other figures. However, no significant relationship was observed between other graphic parameters and variables such as age, gender, type/frequency of abuse, previous history of abuse, or genital findings. Discussion and Conclusions. Children’s drawings are shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including developmental, psychological, sociocultural, and technical variables. Rather than viewing a single indicator as definitive proof of trauma, drawings should be utilized as an auxiliary tool that facilitates communication and helps the child narrate the event more comfortably. Ultimately, we conclude that an individualized, in-depth analysis is essential for a reliable forensic evaluation. © (2026), (Romanian Legal Medicine Society), All Rights Reserved.
Açıklama
Anahtar Kelimeler
child drawings, sexuel abuse, “Draw a Person”[DAP], “Draw the Suspect” [DAS], “Draw Yourself” [DY]
Kaynak
Romanian Journal of Legal Medicine
WoS Q Değeri
Scopus Q Değeri
Q4
Cilt
34
Sayı
1
