NCJ Number
153606
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 23 Issue: 4 Dated: (1994) Pages: 280-323
Date Published
1994
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This article discusses effective techniques to use when interviewing child victims of sexual assault or abuse.
Abstract
The role of the interviewer involves improving communication, dealing with emotion, and responding appropriately to the juvenile witness. The interviewer must be aware of the developmental stage of the child and the dynamics of sexual exploitation in order to conduct a thorough interview. In preparing for the interview, the interviewer must consider available preliminary information, the role of the child's family, findings from the medical examination, documentation, and interview site. The article outlines techniques to be used in the interview, including the use of anatomically correct dolls, and suggests fruitful lines of inquiry. This article also describes how to investigate ritualistic child sexual abuse and considerations in obtaining and using expertise search warrants in cases of preferential child molesters. 9 references and 4 appendixes