NCJ Number
130387
Date Published
1990
Length
0 pages
Annotation
The videocassette presents a roundtable discussion between professionals in child sexual abuse treatment and intervention, the judiciary, and the media. Child sexual abuse cases are discussed in light of the McMartin case decision.
Abstract
This videocassette is designed to provide professionals in the child sexual abuse treatment, investigation, and intervention fields with an update of issues from the past seven years after the start of the McMartin case. Judge William Pounder discusses his handling of the McMartin preliminary hearing and trial. David Hechler, Sgt. Beth Dickerson, Beverly W. Jones, Robert E. Cramer, Roland Summit, Karen J. Saywitz, John E. B. Myers, and Dr. Barbara W. Snow are the other members of this roundtable discussion. Training for child sexual abuse cases for the investigators, both police and therapists, as well as how to interview children five and younger about sexual abuse without crossing the leading questions line are major issues addressed. Issues of videotaping children's statements and the technology's judicial status and value are also reviewed. Other topics covered include suggestions for research into the suggestibility of children, the role the media plays in multiple victim child sexual abuse cases, and whether appellate courts accommodate children's needs.