NCJ Number
135888
Date Published
1991
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The Bexley project in the United Kingdom is described regarding the investigation of child abuse by police and social workers.
Abstract
The operations of the metropolitan police members of joint teams at Shooters Hill (Bexley), Hillingdon, and Putney, Manchester, Lancashire, and Cheshire are presented as well as interviews with social workers from the social services departments and members of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Essential elements of training cover self awareness in attitudes toward joint working and sexual abuse, procedural and legal aspects of child sexual abuse, and technical skills of interviewing. Outside speakers covered the nature and manifestation of sexual abuse, skills in interviewing children, and the use of technical equipment and aids to interviewing such as video, dolls, and line drawings. In an actual investigation, the sequence of events depends upon the nature and circumstances of a particular case. However, most of the following are relevant: interview of the referee or informant; visit with family; medical examination; interview of child victim; written consents for interviews; witnesses interviews; and suspect interview. The purpose of the coordination phase is to review the case, discuss further investigative action, and prepare recommendations for a case conference. 7 references