NCJ Number
19194
Date Published
1975
Length
6 pages
Annotation
GUIDELINES ARE PROVIDED ON THE POSSIBLE PSYCHOLOGICAL REACTIONS OF THE PARENTS AND THE CHILD VICTIM, INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES, AND PREPARING THE CHILD FOR COURT.
Abstract
PROBLEMS OF UNDERREPORTING SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON CHILDREN ARE REVIEWED. IT IS NOTED THAT UNDERREPORTING MAY OCCUR BECAUSE THE PARENT DOES NOT BELIEVE THE CHILD'S STORY, BECAUSE THE CHILD DOES NOT TELL ANYONE ABOUT THE ATTACK, OR BECAUSE A FAMILY MEMBER IS THE OFFENDER. IT IS STATED THAT IN INTERVIEWING A CHILD SEX VICTIM, THE POLICE OFFICER MUST ESTABLISH THE ELEMENTS OF THE OFFENSE WITHOUT CAUSING THE VICTIM, WHO IS LIKELY TO BE CONFUSED AND FRIGHTENED, UNNECESSARY ANGUISH. THE INTERVIEW MAY BE FURTHER COMPLICATED BY THE CHILD'S REPRESSION OF THE INCIDENT, GUILT FEELINGS, OR EMOTIONAL SHOCK. THE OFFICER MUST ALSO DEAL WITH THE REACTIONS OF THE PARENTS, SUCH AS SORROW, FEAR, ANGER, OR HOSTILITY. THE IMPORTANCE OF GAINING THE PARENT'S COOPERATION IN THE INTERVIEWING PROCESS IS STRESSED. FACTORS IN THE INTERVIEW, SUCH AS TIMING, SETTING, ALLOWING PARENTS TO OBSERVE, ESTABLISHING RAPPORT WITH THE CHILD, OBTAINING THE STATEMENT, COMMUNICATING WITH THE CHILD, EVALUATING THE CREDIBILITY OF THE VICTIM, AND ENDING THE INTERVIEW ARE DISCUSSED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)