NCJ Number
131218
Date Published
1987
Length
53 pages
Annotation
Interviewing the child victim is one of the first and most important steps in solving and prosecuting child sexual exploitation cases.
Abstract
Careful handling of the interview is crucial to proper case resolution, since interviewer conduct and child statements are subject to legal scrutiny. Unlike many cases involving adults, the goal of interviewing a child victim is not solely to gather information and evidence. Rather, the interview involves a complex interplay of questioning, counseling, and comforting a confused and traumatized child. The interviewer must improve communication, deal with emotions, and reflectively listen. The interviewer must realize that the child's stage of development at the time of both the abusive incident and the interview has a major impact on how the child perceives sexual exploitation. It is important for investigators of child sexual exploitation cases to recognize that the young child's perception of the sexual event mirrors what he or she has been told by the adult offender. Procedures to guide the interviewer in preparing for and conducting the interview are detailed. Special cautions to be followed in investigating ritualistic child sexual abuse are noted as well as considerations in obtaining and using expertise search warrants in cases of preferential child molesters. Supplemental information on the sexual victimization of children, situational and preferential child molesters, and the cycle of violence is appended. 27 references and 1 table