Forensic Psychologist -- Sexual Abuse of Boys

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

Civil & Criminal Forensic Psychology Expert Witness| Nation wide availability | Male Sexual Abuse Trauma | Psychological Injury Evaluations | I am a licensed clinical psychologist and forensic psychologist with more than 30 years of experience specializing in the psychological impact of childhood sexual abuse of boys and men. This is a highly specific and underrepresented area of forensic psychology, and it has been the core of my work in both criminal and civil litigation. I have been retained in over 400 forensic cases across state and federal jurisdictions and have testified before juries more than 35 times. My forensic experience includes extensive criminal court work involving serious felony and capital cases, as well as civil litigation involving psychological injury, abuse-related damages, and institutional liability. I am licensed in North Carolina and authorized to practice in 42 PSYPACT states, allowing for interstate forensic consultation and record-based evaluations when appropriate. My criminal forensic practice has typically involved in-person, multi-day evaluations of defendants in custodial settings, comprehensive life-history assessments, consultation with attorneys, detailed forensic reports, and courtroom testimony when cases do not resolve prior to trial. This work has required a high level of rigor, clarity, and credibility under adversarial conditions, particularly in jury trials involving emotionally charged allegations of murder and severe abuse. In recent years, I have increasingly applied this same depth of forensic expertise to civil cases, particularly those involving claims of sexual abuse and long-term psychological injury. These civil engagements often involve careful review of records, collateral documentation, and victim statements, followed by clear, well-supported forensic opinions regarding psychological impact and damages. I am experienced in providing report-focused evaluations, with testimony available if needed, and I am comfortable working with both plaintiff and defense counsel. My evaluations emphasize a life-history-based forensic approach, integrating developmental history, trauma exposure, symptom progression, functional impact, and credibility considerations. This approach is especially critical in cases involving male victims of sexual abuse, where disclosure patterns, delayed reporting, and complex symptom presentations are common and frequently misunderstood. I am the author of The Male Survivor: The Impact of Sexual Abuse, a scholarly work addressing the psychological consequences of sexual abuse in boys and men. I have lectured and presented nationally on topics related to sexual trauma, forensic evaluation, and the assessment of psychological injury. I am a member of the American Psychological Association and APA Division 41 (Psychology and Law). Attorneys retain me when they need a forensic expert who brings deep subject-matter expertise, substantial courtroom experience, and the ability to explain complex psychological issues in a manner that is understandable to judges and juries. Whether retained for criminal forensic work or civil psychological injury evaluations, I approach each case with independence, thoroughness, and respect for the legal process. More information about my background, publications, and forensic experience is available at: https://www.mendelforensicpsych.com