NCJ Number
93081
Journal
Capital University Law Review Volume: 12 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1983) Pages: 355-367
Date Published
1983
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the reasons for poor handling of child sexual abuse cases and possible ways to rectify the situation.
Abstract
Sexual offenses frequently go unnoticed and unreported. When children disclose sexual abuse, the mother often opts to disbelieve her child. The experienced professional can detect signs of child sexual abuse, but police and prosecutors prefer to avoid intrafamily child abuse cases. Prosecutors shun these cases for many reasons: lack of information, concern for their own success records in court, disinterest in cases requiring such careful handling, and lack of time. Seeking to remedy this situation, the Sex Offense Task Force in Baltimore has implemented a well-organized system of coordinated effort among concerned agencies. Despite the misconceptions to the contrary, prosecutors can win child sexual abuse cases by learning how to communicate with children and to prepare them for court. Footnotes accompany the text.