NCJ Number
106112
Date Published
1987
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This police training pamphlet on the use of anatomically correct dolls in interviewing child victims of sexual abuse focuses on doll characteristics, the introduction of the dolls to the victim, the identification of body parts, obtaining the victim's account using the dolls, and the use of the dolls with suspects.
Abstract
A review of doll characteristics addresses appearance, size, race, doll sets, safety and durability, facial features, hands, private parts, and clothing. The introduction of the dolls to the victim focuses on timing, statements to the victim about the dolls, and choices to be given the child in the use of the dolls. The identification of doll body parts involves asking victims what they call the various body parts so the interviewer may subsequently use terms familiar to the child. Questioning should begin with nonsexual parts and with the doll's clothing on. Guidance in obtaining the victim's account of the abuse should solicit and use the victim's terminology. The interviewer should be careful not to inject judgments or interpretations about what occurred. The purpose of the interview is to obtain information. Dolls may be useful with suspects when regular investigative techniques have not obtained a confession. Discussion guide, questions and answers on the material, and 1 reading suggestion.