NCJ Number
141635
Date Published
1992
Length
181 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes and compares the findings of the site studies conducted in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario to provide an overview of the extent to which various components of Canada's Bill C-15 (Child Sexual Abuse Amendments) have been implemented and the impact of the implementation.
Abstract
Bill C-15 became law on January 1, 1988. The law is designed to provide better protection to child sexual abuse victims/witnesses, to enhance successful prosecution of child sexual abuse cases, to improve the experience of the child victim/witness, and to bring sentencing in line with the severity of the offense. Data relevant to the assessment of the law's implementation in various sites were obtained through an analysis of existing information systems, reviews of agency files, direct observation of children in court, a review of court transcripts, a survey of key informants, and post-court interviews with victims and guardians of victims. The data indicate that the substantive components of Bill C- 15 are providing better protection to children who have been sexually abused and that the procedural components of Bill C-15 are contributing to successful prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. The use of innovations during court proceedings have improved the experience of the child victim/witness. Overall, the study concludes that most aspects of Bill C-15 are working well and that the professionals involved have adapted to and accepted the changes. The researchers caution, however, that the scope and complex nature of the problem of child sexual abuse requires a response far broader than a legal response alone. Chapter tables and figures, appended supplementary studies, and a 17-item bibliography