Sexually Abused Children's and Young People's Perspectives on Investigative Interviews

The findings of a small qualitative study of sexually abused children's and young people's experiences in investigative interviews are presented. Fourteen children, nine girls and five boys, aged six to eighteen years participated. They were questioned about all aspects of the investigativ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The British journal of social work 1996-08, Vol.26 (4), p.451-474
Main Authors: WESTCOTT, HELEN L., DAVIES, GRAHAM M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abused children
Adolescents
Attitudes
Child abuse
Child molestation
Child Sexual Abuse
Child Welfare Services
Children
England
Homes
Interviews
Investigations
Investigations (Law Enforcement)
Memoranda
Police
Recorded interviews
Sexual abuse
Social work
United Kingdom
Victims
Womens studies
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Summary:The findings of a small qualitative study of sexually abused children's and young people's experiences in investigative interviews are presented. Fourteen children, nine girls and five boys, aged six to eighteen years participated. They were questioned about all aspects of the investigative interview: its location, duration, structure and content. Additionally, the children were asked about the presence of others during the interview, and their feelings concerning the interview, as well as what they liked/disliked, found helpful/unhelpful, about the interview and interviewers. A number of issues were raised by the young people, concerning their choice about what was happening (e.g. where the interview was held and who was present), as well as difficulties with some interviewers' language, and problems with evidential requirements for specific details. The interviews were experienced as stressful by the majority of children. Methodological issues are highlighted, and the findings are discussed in the light of recent legislation affecting children, especially the 1991 Criminal Justice Act and ‘Memorandum of Good Practice’.
ISSN:0045-3102
1468-263X
DOI:10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a011119