Forensic Psychological Assessment in Cases of Child Sexual Abuse: A Scoping Review

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a significant global concern with profound emotional, social and legal implications. Forensic psychological assessments play a critical role in legal investigations, aiding in the validation of allegations and ensuring appropriate interventions for victims. This scoping review examines the existing empirical literature on forensic psychological assessment procedures in CSA cases, aiming to provide an overview of the methods and practices employed in various contexts. A comprehensive search was conducted across four databases (PsycArticles, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and supplemented by handsearching, resulting in the inclusion of 57 studies published between 1986 and 2024, covering procedures applied in 14 countries. The review identified a wide variety of assessment practices addressing multiple domains, such as developmental functioning, abuse-focused information, statements' credibility, trauma-related psychopathology, and family dynamics. These assessments also differed in their purposes, methodologies and instruments used, professionals involved, settings, number of sessions, and timing of evaluations. This diversity can be explained by the distinct judicial systems and specific requirements governing these assessments. Overall, the review underscores the importance of standardized yet flexible protocols that account for legal, cultural, and individual factors, ultimately informing policy and practice to enhance the forensic assessment of CSA cases.