# Forensic Perspectives on Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure in Greece: A Retrospective Study

## TL;DR

This study examines patterns of child sexual abuse disclosure in Greece, finding that most cases are delayed, which affects evidence collection and highlights the need for trauma-informed approaches.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into CSA disclosure patterns and forensic findings in Greece, a region with limited existing research.

## Key findings

- Delayed disclosure was common, with a mean delay of 79 days and only 29.2% reporting within one week.
- Recurrent abuse was significantly associated with delayed disclosure, while early disclosure increased the likelihood of collecting biological evidence.
- Physical injuries were observed in 23.6% of victims, with genital and anal findings in 17% and 3.4%, respectively.

## Abstract

Purpose: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a major public health and forensic concern, often involving delayed disclosure that limits evidence collection and affects judicial outcomes. This study analyzed disclosure patterns, victim–perpetrator characteristics, and forensic findings in CSA cases evaluated in Greece, contributing to the limited Southern European evidence base. Material and Methods: A retrospective review of 89 CSA cases (2014–2024) examined by a certified forensic physician at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, was conducted. Data from official medico-legal reports included demographics, abuse context, forensic findings, and disclosure interval. Statistical analyses explored factors associated with delayed disclosure (>7 days). Results: Victims were predominantly female (69.7%) with a mean age of 9.8 years. Most perpetrators were adult males, and over half of cases (53.9%) involved intrafamilial abuse. The mean delay in disclosure was 79 days; only 29.2% reported within one week. Recurrent abuse correlated with delayed disclosure (p = 0.006), while early disclosure was associated with biological evidence collection (p < 0.001). Physical injuries were observed in 23.6% of victims, genital findings in 17%, and anal findings in 3.4%. Conclusions: Delayed disclosure was common and significantly reduced the likelihood of identifying forensic evidence. The early application of trauma-informed examinations, which adopt a child-centered approach emphasizing safety, emotional regulation, and the prevention of re-traumatization, is essential for the medical and forensic evaluation of abused children. Adopting hospital-based multidisciplinary units could improve forensic documentation, interagency coordination, and psychosocial care in Greece.