NCJ Number
117726
Journal
Journal of the Center for Women Policy Studies Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: (1986) Pages: 9-15
Date Published
1986
Length
4 pages
Annotation
New techniques and procedures for assisting child victims in the adjudication process are explored.
Abstract
Reviews of relevant statutes enacted since the end of 1984, literature, and a telephone survey of prosecutors and victim advocates throughout the country were made. Of all statutory reforms examined those abolishing competency requirements, thereby allowing the child an opportunity to be heard, and those authorizing a special hearsay exception for child sexual abuse victims, appear most promising. Mechanical interventions as alternatives are equally effective. In sum, closed circuit television and videotaped depositions in place of live testimony should be allowed in extraordinary cases. Sensitive treatment of the child throughout the pretrial period, along with creative interpretations of available statutes and case law precedent to ameliorate the trauma of testifying may be no less effective than the proposed uses of electronic technology in most cases.