NCJ Number
245757
Date Published
September 2011
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article describes 10 strategies that can be used by prosecutors in cases of sexual abuse perpetrated against a child be a family member.
Abstract
Victims of child sexual abuse often suffer from many different types of physical and emotional injuries as a result of their circumstances. These injuries are often overlooked when charges are filed against the perpetrator of the abuse, especially if the perpetrator happens to be a family member. This article describes 10 strategies that can be used by prosecutors to prepare and litigate cases of sexual abuse perpetrated against a child by a family member. The strategies are 1) understanding offender grooming techniques; 2) recognizing that disclosures are often delayed and that the vast majority of victims never report the abuse; 3) creating a coordinated, multi-disciplinary (MDT) approach to child sexual assault and working with advocates to keep victims safe and help them participate in the prosecution of the case; 4) employing forensic interviews and preparing for common challenges; 5) explaining and addressing recantation; 6) responding to intimidation, witness tampering, and obstruction; 7) understanding the impact of Crawford and its progeny on child sexual abuse prosecutions; 8) countering challenges to competency; 9) effectively using experts to prepare the case and persuade juries; and 10) believing in the reports of sexual abuse unless and until the evidence proves otherwise. These strategies should assist prosecutors in building a strong foundation with which to successfully prosecute child sexual abuse cases. 40 endnotes