NCJ Number
131489
Date Published
1991
Length
143 pages
Annotation
This project was undertaken to evaluate two methods of preparing child victims and witnesses of sexual abuse for the giving of evidence in court.
Abstract
The children were randomly assigned to the models as soon as charges were laid and the decision had been made to subpoena them as witnesses. The first intervention model, which is the one currently used by the courts, consisted of a courtroom tour and verbal explanation of court procedures by the Victim Witness Assistance Program approximately one week prior to court. The second intervention model included, in addition to the tour, an average of five individual preparation sessions designed to educate the witnesses about courtroom procedures and etiquette and to reduce their stress and fears of court through stress-reduction techniques. A model courtroom, dolls, drawings, relaxation tapes, and roleplaying were some of the methods used to reduce the trauma of testifying. This model also offered two forms of consultation with crown attorneys, one prior to and one after, the child's court appearance. All child witnesses underwent a group of psychological tests and questionnaires prior to and following court. The latter model was effective in reducing the system-induced trauma for the witnesses and improved their court performance compared to those who were processed under the intervention model currently used by the courts. Recommendations are offered. 62 references