Although rare, false allegations of sexual and physical assault, in the context of divorce and criminal cases, are devastating to both the child and alleged abuser.  If sexual assault or inappropriate touching has occurred, the child needs to be protected.  However, identifying false allegations of abuse is critical to the welfare of the child as well as the falsely accused defendant. 

Dr. McNaught is a nationally recognized expert in the diagnosis and treatment of child sexual assault.  She has provided consultation and testimony in many criminal and family law cases involving such allegations, for both Prosecution and Defense.  Evaluating the disclosure and credibility of child victims is a specialized area of expertise.  Dr. McNaught’s long history of experience and training in this field means that she is well versed in the research as it relates to child disclosure of abuse, recantation, and false allegations of abuse.  Dr. McNaught has frequently consulted with Minnesota State Policy Boards related to the sexual abuse of children.  She has also made presentations at numerous national seminars and has been interviewed by Public Radio, related to the diagnosis and treatment of child sexual abuse victims.  Additionally, because of her expertise in performing custody evaluations, she has conducted numerous evaluations where false allegations of sexual or physical abuse are made in the context of custody cases. 

Criminal attorneys have also requested that Dr. McNaught become invovled in cases where she is asked to evaluate the credibility of the alleged victim of sexual assault.  In such cases, Dr. McNaught reviews the alleged victim’s family history, medical and mental health records, the victim’s statements regarding assault, and the pertinent legal records.  Her training and experience makes Dr. McNaught a credible and well respected witness in this area.