Videotaping the Sexually Abused Child: The Texas Experience, 1983-1987 (From Vulnerable Populations: Evaluation and Treatment of Sexually Abused Children and Adult Survivors, Volume 1, P 229-264, 1988, Suzanne M Sgroi, ed. -- See NCJ-118378)

• NCJ Number: 118381
• Author(s): J M DeLipsey; S K James
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 36 pages
• Sale Source: Lexington Books
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

After outlining the Texas videotape law that permits the use of a child victim's/witness' videotaped testimony in lieu of live testimony before the court, this chapter reviews problems in the law's implementation, the guidelines developed for videotaping victim/witness interviews, and the law's legal status.

Abstract

The law, enacted in 1984, established general procedures for the evidential admission of videotaped and live closed-circuit interviews of children under 12 years old in child abuse cases. Initial problems in implementing the law pertained to the lack of clear guidelines, poor training for interviewers, and no legislated standards. These problems were addressed by developing videotaping guidelines. The guidelines pertain to the setting for the interview, video equipment and operation, dealing with family members and caretakers, preparing the child for the interview, and completing the interview. Interviewing guidelines pertain to the interviewer's skill development, the interview style, information the interviewer should know beforehand, when to conduct a videotaped interview, the number of videotapes, and postinterview tasks. The most controversial aspect of the law is its prohibition on a face-to-face confrontation between the child witness and the adult defendant, which apparently undermines defendants' right to confront their accusers. 39 references, appended data from videotaped interviews, videotaping protocol, and partial transcript of a blind videotaped interview.