The study concerns 287 children, who were referred to and examined by the paediatric department's clinical psychologist. Evidence of sexual abuse was observed in 29 of the children (23 girls and 6 boys). Sexual abuse was initially suspected in 15 children; the suspicion was confirmed in 11 cases and rejected in four cases. The remaining 18 patients had been admitted because of somatic complaints and sexual abuse was later uncovered in the psychological examination. The somatic problems originated in different organ systems: Five from the gastrointestinal system, five from the urogenitary system, three from the endocrinological system, two from the locomotor system, two enuresis/encopresis and one from the central nervous system. Sexual intercourse was completed in seven cases, four with vaginal abuse and three with anal abuse. Four children were subjected to oral abuse. Sexual abuse through touching was cited in 14 cases. In all cases the children were abused on more than one occasion. In 65% the perpetrator was a family member. The perpetrator in five cases were 15 year old boys. Sex, age, nature of abuse, and frequency is described. Sexual abuse within the family is described. It is concluded that sexual abuse was found in 10% of 287 children referred to the psychologist in a paediatric department during the period from 1988-1992. Sexual abuse as a diagnosis must be considered in situations with uncertain pathological pictures, behavioral changes and problems in learning. It is important to know the different types of sexual abuse and their expression in children. Maternal abuse was often seen.