NCJ Number
115516
Date Published
1987
Length
93 pages
Annotation
This report documents the experiences of the Bexley London Borough Social Services department and the Metropolitan Police in devising a new model for the investigation of intrafamilial child sexual abuse.
Abstract
The project aimed to enhance coordination and cooperation between police and social services, improve communication and decisionmaking, increase awareness of sexual abuse and of professional roles and responsibilities, and provide protection for victims and care for the family at all stages of investigation. Other goals included reducing interview and medical examination repetition and providing improved facilities for investigation. Specialist training also was provided and innovative interview techniques were developed including video recording and the use of male/female-police officer/social worker teams. An evaluation of the training course developed for the project found that the materials provided a strong flexible framework within which to develop an effective joint approach to investigating child sexual abuse. Participants left the course with a greater awareness of their roles, responsibilities, and their attitudes toward the subject of child sexual abuse. An evaluation of the investigative team approach reached similar conclusions, but noted some tensions related to differences in social work goals and roles. Supplemental information is appended.