NCJ Number
106384
Date Published
1988
Length
375 pages
Annotation
Based on interviews with convicted child molesters, judges, social workers, defense attorneys, therapists, police officers, prosecutors, victims, and victims' parents, this book analyzes how investigators and the courts have handled child sexual abuse cases, and recommendations are offered to enhance the objective, proficient investigation and processing of such cases.
Abstract
The particular cases examined include the Fresh Air Fund, which channeled inner city children into suburban and small town families for vacations (some families were charged with the sexual abuse of the children); charges of child molestation in a West Point day care center; and a father's abuse of his daughter in the context of a divorce. The analysis of the cases reveals incompetent investigations and case processing that both permits abusers to go unpunished and unchecked and increases the likelihood that persons will be falsely publicly accused of child molestation. One recommendation is that panels of expert validators be chosen by courts to interview children alleged to have been sexually abused and that panels of doctors be designated to conduct expert medical examinations of such children. Also recommended are a standardized protocol for child sexual abuse investigations; independent evaluations of offender treatment programs; and the expanded education, training, and licensing of professionals working in the child sexual abuse field. Chapter notes, appended excerpts from interviews, and subject index.