In the ongoing trial of James Glenn Haskell, a clinical psychologist and child sexual abuse expert, Blake D. Carmichael, testified on Tuesday in the Solano County Superior Court. Carmichael, an associate clinical professor with UC Davis Health, stated that only a small minority of victimized children lie about being sexually abused or assaulted.
During questioning by Deputy District Attorney Shelly Moore, Carmichael explained the five ways sexually abused children try to resolve their experiences: secrecy, helplessness, entrapment and accommodation, delayed and conflicted disclosure, and recanting or retraction. He emphasized that disbelieving children who have been sexually abused can be harmful and that adults often doubt children due to delays in reporting the abuse.
Defense attorney Thomas Maas cross-examined Carmichael, questioning the scientific nature of a 1983 article by Roland C. Summit, which described Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome (CSAAS). Carmichael clarified that Summit’s article was not considered scientific but was based on extensive observations while working with traumatized victims. The article aimed to educate and dispel myths and misconceptions about delayed reporting of abuse and sexual assaults.
The testimony of Carmichael followed the statements of two of Haskell’s adopted daughters, who did not report the alleged abuse until months later. Haskell, a former Vacaville attorney and Mormon bishop, faces 16 counts of felonies and misdemeanors, including four felony sexual assaults, which allegedly occurred between October 2018 and early February 2022.
Carmichael highlighted that child sexual abuse is a crime, not a disorder, and that perpetrators are often individuals known and trusted by the victims. He explained that sexually abused children may not recognize inappropriate touching and may fear how others will view their disclosures. The psychologist also noted that victims experience fear, shame, embarrassment, and other emotions surrounding the crimes committed against them.
