Interviewing Children Suspected of Being Sexually Abused: A Review of Theory and Practice (From Clinical Approaches to Sex Offenders and Their Victims, P 117-148, 1991, Clive R Hollin and Kevin Howells, eds. - See NCJ- 141025)

• NCJ Number: 141031
• Author(s): E Vizard
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 32 pages
• Sale Source: John Wiley and Sons
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This paper reviews the existing literature on interviewing children suspected of being sexually abused and presents an ideal case example and its implications for practice.

Abstract

Issues of concern in interviews of children include the use of anatomical dolls in interviews, the meaning of sexual play by children with anatomical dolls, suggestibility, memory, false allegations, leading questions, and evidential issues. At least 10 different approaches to interviewing are now recognized in England, including one from Canada and four from the United States. Most suggested approaches favor a format with some degree of structure, while emphasizing that a rigid structure is undesirable. Both the more structured approaches and the less structured approaches have advantages and disadvantages. Interviewers find approaches helpful that list issues needing attention, including the preparation for the meeting and possible emotional reactions in the child or interviewer. Most approaches advocate the use of anatomically correct dolls in conjunction with other methods. Opinions vary regarding the number of interviews needed and the amount of background information the interviewer should have, but consensus exists regarding avoiding leading questions and videotaping initial interviews. 66 references