This article examines how feminism has helped to uncover sexual violence as a serious issue affecting women and children, but in doing so, has contributed to false allegations of sexual abuse. Radical feminism views sexual violence as the ultimate power of males over females, so often the accusations of the claimant go unchallenged for fear of renouncing a woman's experiences. Assumptions by practitioners working in the field of sexual abuse can also lead to mistaken allegations of abuse. The author discusses the damaging consequences of false accusations of sexual assault and abuse, particularly for the families involved.

Feminist Review 52 Spring 1996 : 154-168