Child Abuse Allegations: Finding Truth and Safety in Family Court with Dr. Wendy Bourg

Child Sexual Abuse Allegations in Family Court: Expert Insights with Dr. Wendy Bourg

In this compelling episode, Bill Eddy and Megan Hunter welcome clinical psychologist Dr. Wendy Bourg for a rare and candid discussion about one of family court's most challenging issues. With decades of experience developing forensic interview guidelines and working directly with families, Dr. Bourg shares invaluable insights about navigating these complex situations.

The conversation explores how courts, professionals, and families can move beyond emotional reactions to find practical solutions that prioritize child wellbeing. Dr. Bourg challenges common assumptions and offers fresh perspectives on handling these sensitive cases, drawing from her extensive work in Oregon's family court system.

Questions Explored in This Episode

• What makes these cases particularly challenging for family courts?
• How can professionals avoid common pitfalls when investigating allegations?
• What approaches best serve children caught in these situations?
• Where do well-meaning professionals sometimes go wrong?
• How can courts balance competing priorities in unclear cases?

Key Reasons to Listen

• Gain practical insights from a leading expert in the field
• Learn about surprising research findings that challenge conventional wisdom
• Understand how to avoid common mistakes that can harm families
• Discover innovative approaches to handling complex cases
• Hear real-world examples that illuminate better ways forward

Whether you're a family court professional, mental health practitioner, or concerned parent, this episode offers crucial insights for anyone seeking to better understand and address these challenging situations. Join us for this important conversation that goes beyond typical discussions to explore practical, balanced approaches that put children first.

Additional Resources

Guest, Dr. Wendy Bourg

• https://drwendybourg.com/

Expert Publications

• Evaluating Sexual Abuse Reports In Family Court by Dr. Wendy Bourg
• Tell Me What Happened: Questioning Children About Abuse by Michael Lamb
• Jeopardy in the Courtroom: A Scientific Analysis of Children's Testimony by Stephen Ceci

Professional & Personal Development

• ConflictInfluencer.com (website for individuals dealing with high-conflict in personal life)
• New Ways for Families® Training: For family and divorce professionals

Connect With Us

• Visit High Conflict Institute: highconflictinstitute.com
• Submit questions for Bill and Megan
• Browse our complete collection of books and resources in our online store—available in print and e-book formats
• Find these show notes and all past episode notes on our website

Important Notice

Our discussions focus on behavioral patterns rather than diagnoses. For specific legal or therapeutic guidance, please consult qualified professionals in your area.

• (00:00) - Welcome to It's All Your Fault
• (00:31) - Child Sexual Abuse Allegations in Family Court
• (01:02) - Meet Dr. Wendy Bourg
• (02:19) - Her Interest in This Work
• (06:46) - Karpman Drama Triangle
• (08:36) - Prevalence
• (12:43) - True or Not True?
• (17:20) - Safety First and Hippocratic Oath
• (22:55) - Grey Area Solutions
• (23:43) - Increase in Frequency?
• (29:25) - Cycles of Hysteria
• (32:10) - Therapists and Forensic Truths
• (35:26) - Flaws Still in the System
• (36:37) - Working to Help Parents Come Around
• (38:07) - Percent of Cases That Are True
• (41:32) - Best Practice Tips
• (44:38) - No Common Trigger Points
• (46:10) - Thoughts for Judges
• (48:19) - Non-Family Members
• (49:39) - Wrap Up
• (50:56) - Reminders