Official Ideals and Current Practice in Work with Child Witnesses in Sexual Abuse Cases in Norway (From Psychology and Law: International Perspectives, P 393-398, 1992, Friedrich Losel, Doris Bender, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-148224)

• NCJ Number: 148253
• Author(s): T Havik
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: Walter de Gruyter & Co
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: Germany (Unified)

Annotation

A 1985 nationwide survey in Norway found that one in six had been victimized by parents, stepparents, or other close relatives.

Abstract

In response to child sexual abuse, the Norwegian Minister of Justice made recommendations on police investigation procedures that underscore the importance of coordination between the police and the social-health care systems. These recommendations also require that the number of interrogations be minimized. Children below 15 years of age cannot give testimony in court; therefore, a very young child cannot be cross-examined by counsel for the defendant. Discrepancies between the ideal of the recommendations and actual practice are identified. The role of psychologists as expert witnesses in child sexual abuse cases is examined. The author concludes that prolonged police investigations and high dismissal and acquittal rates create significant trauma for abused children and their families. Consequently, health and child care personnel are becoming more reluctant to report cases to the police. 9 references, 1 table, and 2 figures