NCJ Number
236640
Journal
Widener Law Review Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: 2010 Pages: 305-333
Date Published
2010
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This article provides information and processes on conducting forensic interviews with child victims and witnesses.
Abstract
This research found that investigators and legal professionals conducting forensic interviews for cases involving allegations of child sexual abuse should have training and in-depth comprehension of the following: 1) the normal sexual and linguistic development of children; 2) an understanding of the issues; 3) a familiarity with the current research regarding the suggestibility of children; 4) the dynamics of child sexual abuse and intra-familial violence, and how victims experience their abuse; and 5) an awareness of interviewing protocols and best practices for eliciting information from children who may have been abused. The research also suggests that forensic interviews of child victims and witnesses should be accurately preserved in an electronic form so as to substantiate corroborating information gathered during the investigative process. This paper provides information and processes for use by investigators and legal professionals for conducting forensic interviews with child victims and witnesses in child sexual abuse cases. The information is presented in two parts: how to record and document the child abuse interview, and how to assess the alleged child victim's statements.