NCJ Number
135774
Date Published
1988
Length
63 pages
Annotation
This booklet describes procedures and techniques for interviewing the sexually abused child.
Abstract
The discussion opens with a description of the pressures upon the child sexual abuse victim, both within the family and from the system outside. These pressures can be considered through an examination of how the problem presents to professionals. Recent developments in the fields of cognitive psychology, the memory ability in young children, the child as witness, children's suggestibility, language, and knowledge of sexuality are discussed as relevant areas of inquiry for those who interview sexually abused children. Two chapters on the interview itself discuss preliminary considerations and the full evaluative assessment. Among preliminary considerations are the setting for the interview, the presence of parents, and when and how the session can be recorded. A discussion of which professional should interview the child advises that although a full-scale interview is appropriate for certain situations, it is inappropriate for professionals such as pediatricians, general practitioners, or health visitors, who require a brief screening approach for everyday practice in cases where suspicion of sexual abuse arises. Approaches for such a screening interview are suggested. Another chapter presents a clinical approach for the validation of the child's account. Appended supplementary information, resources, and 110 references