Criminal Investigation of Child Sexual Abuse Cases (From Vulnerable Populations: Evaluation and Treatment of Sexually Abused Children and Adult Survivors, Volume 1, P 187-227, 1988, Suzanne M Sgroi, ed. -- See NCJ-118378)

• NCJ Number: 118380
• Author(s): R L Cage
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 41 pages
• Sale Source: Lexington Books
• Publication Type: Training (Aid/Material)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter guides law enforcement and social service personnel in the investigation of child sexual abuse cases.

Abstract

Basic characteristics of a good child sexual abuse investigator include the ability to maintain objectivity throughout the investigations, the ability to empathize with both the victim and the offender, a willingness to remain nonjudgmental, and an ability to put aside anger and repulsion to obtain as much information as possible. This chapter discusses distinctive circumstances in child sexual abuse cases that pose barriers to the investigation. These include barriers presented by the victim and barriers presented by the investigators themselves. In discussing investigative techniques, they are divided into interviews and the gathering of evidence. Techniques are outlined for interviewing the victim; the nonoffending parent (intrafamily cases); the offender; and siblings, other relatives, and the victims' friends. Guidelines for the gathering of evidence focus on search and seizure procedures and the obtaining of medical evidence. 5 references.