NCJ Number
149172
Date Published
1994
Length
153 pages
Annotation
Results of a research program studying the child victim as witnesses are discussed.
Abstract
This report discusses the preliminary findings of the Child Victim as Witness Research and Development Program, a three-year project funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). This project was a collaborative effort involving three organizations: Education Development Center, Inc.; the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and the American Prosecutors Research Institute of Alexandria, Virginia. The study was designed to identify and implement a range of techniques for investigating and prosecuting child sexual abuse cases; empirically assess the circumstances under which alternative techniques are used; and evaluate how well these innovations reduce victim trauma and increase successful prosecution of offenders. The principal question for which the researchers sought an answer was how child sexual abuse cases can be effectively prosecuted without exacerbating the children's trauma. The four jurisdictions chosen for study were Erie County (Buffalo), New York; Polk County (Des Moines), Iowa; Ramsey County (St. Paul), Minnesota; and San Diego County, California. Case tracking, meetings with representatives of criminal justice and human service agencies, and psychological interviews were conducted. Preliminary results suggest that it may not be testifying per se, but the harshness of the testifying experience, that is harmful to children. Also, preliminary results indicate that testifying is less stressful for younger children and may even be helpful. Case tracking data, however, reveal that prosecutors are reluctant to pursue cases involving preschool children. A listing of other publications available from OJJDP is included. Endnotes