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Forthcoming guidelines on The Physical Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

New guidelines on the Physical Signs of Child Sexual Abuse, published by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, are to be released on 2nd April 2008. They replace in its entirety the 1997 publication "Physical signs of sexual abuse in children" by the Royal College of Physicians.

The guidelines have, however, already been considered by Holman J in a fact finding hearing within care proceedings, concerning allegations of sexual abuse entirely based on medical evidence. The 2008 guidelines were released to the court and advocates in advance of their publication date. Holman J gave judgment on Friday 14th March 2008 and, following approval by Holman J, it will be made available to the public on Family Law Week and BAILII. It is likely to be the subject of considerable interest.

Clive Heaton QC and Louise McCallum, leading and junior counsel for the Father in that case, are to write an article for Family Law Week which will be circulated in early May. The article will consider the implications of the new guidelines and the Holman J authority.



Clive Heaton QC and Louise McCallum are members of the Family Team at Zenith Chambers, 10 Park Square, Leeds: www.zenithchambers.co.uk.

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