Guidelines for Investigative Interviewing of Child Victims of Sexual Abuse (From Sexual Abuse of Children in the 1980's, P 51-61, 1986, Benjamin Schlesinger, ed. - See NCJ-103167)

• NCJ Number: 103170
• Author(s): M Wells
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: University of Toronto Press
• Publication Type: Training (Aid/Material)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Guidelines are provided to assist child welfare and police personnel in conducting an initial investigative interview with a child where there has been an allegation of child sexual abuse.

Abstract

The guidelines are designed for use with the Child Sexual Abuse Protocol, a coordinated community approach now being implemented in Toronto, Canada. The goals of the interview are to assure protection of the child and determine whether an offense has occurred. Following a discussion of the child's and the interviewer's feelings, a checklist is provided to aid the interviewer in assessing the child's maturity and level of understanding, as well as the family relationships, relationship to the offender, characteristics of the incident, and evidence. Guidelines also cover preparation for the interview, location and seating arrangements, needed background information, and beginning the interview. The child's sense of time and use of language is considered, and the use of aids such as drawings and dolls is discussed. Characteristics of the incident and the child's presentation of it that enhance its credibility are described. Finally, the need to conclude the interview with reassurances to the child is noted. 4 notes.