By Nicky Robinson
Aug 2009

From the outset, this article wishes to make clear, its complete and unreserved abhorrence of genuine cases of child molestation. Abuse of the most vulnerable members of our society clearly does occur. And in such instances, must be properly investigated, reported, proven beyond reasonable doubt and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

However, this article focuses on the largely unacknowledged and ignored 'abuse of abuse' allegations: Precisely because it strikes a fierce emotional chord, allegations of child sex crimes can be fabricated with shocking ease and disastrous consequences. Given society’s overwhelming tendency to believe in the absolute honesty and naivete of children, these allegations are often immediately equated to convictions. In fact, it is becoming all too easy to destroy the reputation of any person accused of child molestation, simply in the act of pointing the finger.

For instance, what does the name 'Mr Bubbles' mean to you? Most of us are left with a lingering memory of an horrific child abuser. Yet, despite allegations of satanic rituals and blood sacrifice, child pornography and a ring of paedophiles preying on children attending a kindergarten on Sydney's northern beaches, few members of the public today can tell you that every one of over 50 charges against Tony Deren was thrown out of court. The law says he is innocent. Even more shockingly, Deren and his wife have acknowledged that they think crimes of abuse did occur - just not by them. Yet they continue to be frustrated that their vocalisation of these concerns has been gagged. Perhaps Tony Deren is lucky - while many real abusers go free, many innocent people find themselves in prison for crimes they did not commit.

The reasons for false accusations of child abuse are many. Arthur Miller’s play ‘The Crucible’ based on the actual witch trials of 1692, highlights the folly in assuming a child’s accusations are always truthful and innocent. The motivation for accusing an adult of abuse may be rejection, blackmail, even influence from another adult seeking revenge on the accused. And it seems the wilder the allegations, the more likely they are to be believed.

Dr Jerome Gelb, a Melbourne psychiatrist who treated women for satanic abuse, says he now believes the stories are false beliefs. "I have had three patients who have openly stated that their 'memories' were induced by the therapists they were seeing," said Dr Gelb. "They were pressured into accusing family members of incest, pressured into saying they were satanically abused, and in one case pressured into leaving home."

Is it our imagination, or are we seeing a rise in the incidence of abuse - and false accusations of abuse? In the United State alone between 1963 and 1993, reports of suspected child abuse grew from 160,000 to over 2.9 million cases reported annually.

One of the key factors attributed to this increase, is the growth in divorce cases and the issue of child custody. Although both parents can cooperate and devise parenting plans, all too often the courts become involved. And during these custody battles, one parent alleges abuse by the other parent. In divorce, when allegations are made and the police conduct investigations, 97 percent of these claims are unable to be substantiated. It is obvious that many such allegations of abuse reported in divorce situations are false. And in 95 percent of these cases, the accusers are women. False allegations of abuse can ruin someone's life and have a devastating effect on the children.

We now live in an atmosphere of near hysteria about child abuse and neglect. It means the cards are stacked against anyone who has been accused of this crime.

Celebrities, high profile community members, politicians and persons in leadership roles are more often becoming the target of such allegations. Eccentric, outspoken and therefore more prone to cause offence, financially or politically powerful, such figures are easy - and potentially lucrative - targets. In an overwhelming number of instances, allegations of sexual impropriety prove false. But not before the reputation, career and livelihoods of the accused are all but destroyed or damaged irreparably.

Michael Jackson, the recently deceased musician, will be remembered by millions as the King of Pop. But equally, his legacy includes serious questions about allegations of child abuse. While the law must show that he was tried and found innocent of every charge laid, the overriding memory we have of him tragically contains doubt.

But perhaps, the tide is slowly turning. There are many websites today, dedicated to advising people who have been falsely accused of abusing children. More and more, individuals and groups are fighting back against the assumptions, speaking out against the shame they have wrongfully had imposed upon them.

American actor Sean Penn recently narrated a TV documentary called ‘Witch Hunt’, which highlights the injustices surrounding dozens of parents who were jailed on false child-abuse charges in Bakersfield, California in the 80’s.

Sean became involved in the project because wanted to expose those in public office who had made decisions that ruined innocent families. He hopes the film prompts people to question the evidence in high-profile cases and stand up to those in office who encourage and benefit from public hysteria. Sean adds, “There are all too many examples of the way in which public opinion is swayed by tainted evidence and emotional and irrational decision making. The public hysteria that surrounded this case is every bit as essential to discuss as the public corruption. These lightning-rod crimes tend to challenge our lawful assumption of innocence until proof of guilt.”

It will be interesting to see the response this documentary attracts - within the United States and in many other countries such as the UK, Australia and France, where accusing an innocent human being of the worst possible crime is perhaps in itself, beginning to be exposed for the serious crime it really is.

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