NCJ Number
121874
Date Published
1988
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This guide is intended for counselors and advocates who are preparing sexually-abused adolescents for participation as witnesses in criminal proceedings against their alleged abusers.
Abstract
Sexual abuse is defined, and a teenagers' fears are addressed and discussed. Legal remedies are detailed with emphasis on criminal prosecution and the role played by the witness in identifying the crime and the perpetrator. The roles of various participants in the legal process are also identified and discussed: judge, defense attorney, prosecutor, detectives, jury, court reporter, and witnesses. The guide focuses on the difficulties of the sexually-abused witness and emphasizes honesty and simplicity in relating the details of the crime.