Narratives of Innocence and Allegations of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy

Abstract

This chapter will examine some of the ways in which those constructing a narrative of guilt in cases of alleged Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSbP) attempt to silence, negate and manage the challenge thrown up by the mother’s narrative of innocence. Such techniques are found in deliberate actions on the part of the narrators of guilt, within the conceptualisation and operationalisation of MSbP as a diagnostic category and in actions/decisions within the investigative process. While techniques of silencing, negation and management are utilised by both sides in the argument, it is apparent that the range of techniques and the ability to employ them is unevenly distributed in favour of those constructing a narrative of guilt. Due to the constraints of space this chapter will report only the techniques used in the construction of the narrative of guilt. However it is worth noting that such uneven distribution is rarely remarked upon