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Johnson HM, Block SD, Gonzales JE, Ramsey MG, Shockley KL, Williams LM. Predictors of non-offending caregiver support in cases of child sexual abuse. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 149:106650. [PMID: 38281406 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In cases of child sexual abuse (CSA), a supportive non-offending caregiver (NOC) is important for the child's overall well-being and adjustment. NOC support is also predictive of CSA cases moving forward to prosecution. Limited research has studied CSA case factors in relation to NOC supportive behaviors across numerous support dimensions. OBJECTIVE We investigated what case details predicted four different dimensions of caregiver support. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS In this secondary analysis, a sample of 500 CSA cases from four prosecutors' offices in one New England state from 2009 to 2013 were randomly selected and reviewed. METHOD This study used regression analysis to test 13 case characteristics (e.g., disclosure of abuse, NOC's relationship to perpetrator) as predictors of NOC support dimensions: belief of victim, support of prosecution, protection of victim, and whether a child protective services neglect report was filed against the caregiver. RESULTS When the perpetrator was their romantic partner, the NOC was less likely to protect and believe the child victim, yet more likely to support prosecution. NOCs were more likely to demonstrate belief when the child disclosed to them first. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal the importance of the key case factors that are predictive of NOC support. This is the first study to examine these many case factors in relation to these four dimensions of support. Knowledge of these predictors can play an important role in better understanding the complexity of NOC support predictors and facilitating interventions designed to enhance such support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Johnson
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 850 Broadway St., Lowell, MA 01854, USA.
| | - Stephanie D Block
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 850 Broadway St., Lowell, MA 01854, USA.
| | - Joseph E Gonzales
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 850 Broadway St., Lowell, MA 01854, USA.
| | - Michaela G Ramsey
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 850 Broadway St., Lowell, MA 01854, USA.
| | - Kristy L Shockley
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 850 Broadway St., Lowell, MA 01854, USA.
| | - Linda M Williams
- Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Wellesley, MA 02481-8203, USA.
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Denne E, George SS, Stolzenberg SN. Developmental Considerations in How Defense Attorneys Employ Child Sexual Abuse and Rape Myths When Questioning Alleged Victims of Child Sexual Abuse. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:11914-11934. [PMID: 37530046 PMCID: PMC10619182 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231189512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Myths and misconceptions surrounding the nature of sexual assault play a role in shaping the perceptions of victims as credible and perpetrators as culpable. Defense attorneys often capitalize on myths in court as an element of their defense strategies. Researchers have established that myths about both rape generally, and child sexual abuse (CSA) specifically, appear with regularity in criminal trials of children who have made an allegation of CSA. Yet no work has systematically and quantitatively examined the impact of a child's age on the probability that attorneys will ask a myth-consistent question in criminal trials of CSA. In the current study, we examine 6,384 lines of questioning across 134 criminal trials of CSA to assess whether defense attorneys employ developmentally sensitive strategies when asking children questions that draw upon myths about sexual violence (CSA myths: disclosure myths, extent of harm, a child's positive relationship with their perpetrator, and the presence of witnesses; Rape myths: force and resistance, motives to lie, victim precipitation, and character issues). We found that attorneys did not vary their use of CSA myths by the age of the child. However, the probability that a child would receive a rape myth-consistent line of questioning, increased with a child's age. This work suggests that attorneys are, at times, strategic in their use of myths and employ these adult rape myths in ways that are plausible, purposeful, and likely impactful. The strategic use of these questions may acknowledge young children's limited development but may place too great a demand on older children's developmental capacities. Prosecutors should be prepared to counterquestion these myths in redirect examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Denne
- Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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3
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Stevenson MC, Rivers MA. When Disclosure Fails to Substantiate Abuse: Child and Perpetrator Race Predict Child Sexual Abuse Substantiation. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2023; 28:621-633. [PMID: 36932825 DOI: 10.1177/10775595231157729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We examined the effects of child race, perpetrator race, and abuse disclosure status (within the context of a formal forensic interview) on abuse substantiation outcomes. Specifically, we coded child sexual abuse disclosure, abuse substantiation, and race of 315 children (80% girls, M age = 10, age range = 2-17; 75% White, 9% Black, 12% Biracial, 3% Hispanic, 1% Asian) who underwent a child forensic interview in a Midwestern child advocacy center. Supporting hypotheses, abuse substantiation was more likely in cases involving (a) abuse disclosure (vs. no disclosure), (b) White children (vs. children of color), and (c) perpetrators of color (vs. White perpetrators). Also supporting hypotheses, the effect of abuse disclosure on increased abuse substantiation was greater for White children than for children of color. This research suggests that even when children of color disclose their experiences of sexual abuse, they nonetheless face barriers to abuse substantiation.
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4
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Denne E, Stolzenberg SN. Exploring how attorneys address grooming in criminal trials of child sexual abuse. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2023; 41:488-503. [PMID: 37996976 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Grooming is a common tactic among perpetrators of child sexual abuse (CSA). It is important that grooming is addressed in court to explain the unintuitive ways a child may act when they have been victims of abuse. The present study draws upon 134 transcripts of CSA criminal trials to establish how attorneys talk about grooming in court. Only 1.8% of attorney's questions addressed grooming behaviors. The majority of these focusing on exposure to pornography (27%) or boundary pushing (19%). Invitations elicited the most productive reports of grooming from children. There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion with which defense and prosecuting attorney's raised grooming issues, with prosecutors raising grooming issues more often than defense attorneys. We suggest that attorneys consider devoting proportionally more time to addressing grooming in court, to help jurors demystify common myths surrounding CSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Denne
- Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stacia N Stolzenberg
- Criminology and Criminal Justice, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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5
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Quas JA, Mukhopadhyay S, Winks KMH, Dianiska RE, Lyon TD. Successful Criminal Prosecutions of Sex Trafficking and Sexual Abuse of Minors: A Comparative Analysis. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2023; 28:500-516. [PMID: 37232445 PMCID: PMC10929689 DOI: 10.1177/10775595231176432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Despite increased awareness of sex trafficking of minors in the U.S., prosecution of traffickers remains difficult, in part because of victim uncooperativeness. There are questions about how that uncooperativeness is expressed, whether it is evident in successfully prosecuted cases, and whether it is unique to trafficked minors or it emerges in similar age victims of sexual abuse. To provide insight relevant to these questions, we compared appellate opinions in two types of successfully prosecuted criminal cases: sex trafficking and sexual abuse of adolescent victims. In the trafficking opinions, victims were rarely described as disclosing on their own or as knowing their trafficker before the victimization. The opinions also often alluded to the trafficking victims' uncooperativeness and delinquency history, and frequently mentioned electronic evidence and prosecution experts. The sexual abuse opinions, in contrast, tended to suggest that victims' own disclosures initiated the case, perpetrators were known and trusted adults, and caregiver support during the case was common. Finally, the sexual abuse opinions never explicitly mentioned victim uncooperativeness or electronic evidence and rarely mentioned expert testimony or delinquency. The different characterizations of the two case types highlight the need for improved education concerning effective prosecution of sex crimes against minors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Thomas D. Lyon
- School of Law, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Hartman DT, Wang Y, Wu Y, Goldfarb D, Vidales D, Qin J, Eisen ML, Goodman GS. Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Longitudinal Study of Disclosures and Denials. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2023; 28:462-475. [PMID: 36988427 DOI: 10.1177/10775595231165335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In legal cases regarding child sexual abuse (CSA), children have various options, such as to disclose or deny maltreatment. When interviewed in adulthood, their accounts may be consistent with their childhood responses. Alternatively, denial in childhood could be followed in adulthood by disclosure ("deferred disclosure"), confirming previous suspicions. Or the adults could possibly recant. We conducted a longitudinal study of CSA disclosures and denials (N = 99; Time 1 [T1], 3- to 16-year-olds). T1 CSA disclosures and denials at a forensic unit were compared to the individuals' responses 20 years later (Time 2 [T2]. 22- to 37-years-old). We found that consistent disclosure was associated with being older at T1 and female. Deferred disclosure was significantly associated with greater T2 trauma-related symptoms. Corroboration and higher CSA severity predicted T2 recantation. Consistent denial was related to less severe CSA. Our findings add to knowledge about CSA disclosures, which affect legal pathways available to child victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana T Hartman
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yuerui Wu
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Deborah Goldfarb
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Daisy Vidales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jianjian Qin
- Department of Psychology, California State University, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Mitchell L Eisen
- Department of Psychology, California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gail S Goodman
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Lyon TD. Child Maltreatment, the Law, and Two Types of Error. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2023; 28:403-406. [PMID: 37196319 PMCID: PMC10914389 DOI: 10.1177/10775595231176454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
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8
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Newman A, Tener D, Evans EH, Katz C, Lusky-Weisrose E, Nadan Y. Not a happy story. A love story: Professional perceptions of love in families with child sexual abuse in two US mid-Atlantic Child Advocacy Centers. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 137:106032. [PMID: 36682191 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although research on child sexual abuse (CSA) has greatly evolved, studies revealing survivors' conflicting feelings towards their perpetrators and family members are scarce. Professionals' perceptions of love in intrafamilial CSA are often overlooked. OBJECTIVE The current study examined the perceptions of professionals working on CSA multidisciplinary teams (MDT). The research questions were: (1) How do professionals define love in families with CSA? (2) What are professionals' perceptions of parental love in families with CSA? (3) What are professionals' perceptions of love from the abused child towards their parents and siblings? (4) What are the differences between professionals' perceptions of love and those of the families they serve, and how do professionals deal with these different perceptions during interventions? METHOD Five focus groups with a total of 34 child advocacy center (CAC) and MDT professionals from two CACs in the US mid-Atlantic region were conducted virtually and analyzed using a thematic approach. RESULTS The findings indicated that professionals recognized parental love at the center of familial child sexual abuse (FCSA) cases and its range from benevolent and healthy to maladaptive, offensive love. Professionals also recognized the mechanisms enabling children's love for both offending and non-offending parents and complex expressions of love between siblings, even when one sibling sexually abused another. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of promoting discourse on love in cases of intrafamilial CSA. Recognizing and embracing the complexity of love bonds may empower the abused child and support their need to believe in their parents' love.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dafna Tener
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Efrat Lusky-Weisrose
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yochay Nadan
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
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9
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Children's understanding of implied coaching questions: Does acquiescence influence perceptions of believability? JOURNAL OF APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appdev.2022.101510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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10
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Todorov JJ, Devine RT, De Brito SA. Association between childhood maltreatment and callous-unemotional traits in youth: A meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 146:105049. [PMID: 36681371 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Callous-unemotional (CU) traits (i.e., lack of remorse or guilt, callous lack of empathy, deficient concern for the feelings of others) in youth with conduct problems confer risk for a particularly severe and persistent form of antisocial behaviour. Previous research has linked childhood maltreatment as a potential risk factor for CU traits, both primary (i.e., genetically underpinned) and secondary (i.e., environmentally influenced) variants, but findings have been inconsistent, and the association has not yet been tested in a meta-analysis. To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the nature and strength of the associations between childhood maltreatment and its subtypes with CU traits and potential variants (i.e., primary and secondary CU traits). A systematic search identified 29 eligible studies including 9,894 participants (42% female) between the ages of 3 and 18 years (Mage=14.22 years, SD = 1.07). Results revealed a significant moderate positive association between childhood maltreatment and CU traits. All subtypes of maltreatment bar sexual abuse were significantly associated with CU traits. However, it was not possible to compare primary and secondary CU traits directly due to inconsistencies in how they are defined. The limitations posed by current research signal the need for clinical and operational guidelines on how to define primary and secondary CU traits. Additionally, prospective longitudinal, genetically informed research is needed to clarify if maltreatment is a causal risk factor for CU traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Todorov
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK.
| | - Rory T Devine
- Centre for Developmental Science, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Stephane A De Brito
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK.
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11
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Karni-Visel Y, Hershkowitz I, Lamb ME, Blasbalg U. Nonverbal Emotions While Disclosing Child Abuse: The Role of Interviewer Support. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2023; 28:66-75. [PMID: 34964680 PMCID: PMC9806472 DOI: 10.1177/10775595211063497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Statements by alleged victims are important when child abuse is prosecuted; triers-of-fact often attend to nonverbal emotional expressions when evaluating those statements. This study examined the associations among interviewer supportiveness, children's nonverbal emotions, and informativeness during 100 forensic interviews with alleged victims of child abuse. Raters coded the silent videotapes for children's nonverbal emotional expressions while other raters coded the transcripts for interviewer support, children's verbal emotions, and informativeness. Results showed that children's nonverbal signals were more common than and preceded the verbal signs. Interviewer support was associated with children's expressivity. When children expressed more nonverbal emotions, they were more responsive during the pre-substantive phases and more informative about the abuse. Nonverbal emotions partially mediated the association between support and informativeness. The findings underline the value of nonverbal emotional expression during forensic interviews and demonstrate how the interviewers' supportive demeanor can facilitate children's emotional displays and increase informativeness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Karni-Visel
- University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Yael Karni-Visel, The Louis and Gabi
Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel.
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12
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Denne E, St George S, Stolzenberg SN. Myths and Misunderstandings About Child Sexual Abuse in Criminal Investigations. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:NP1893-NP1919. [PMID: 35506415 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221093679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Researchers have established that rape myths shape perceptions of victims and perpetrators in criminal cases. Researchers have devoted less attention to exploring the impact of child sexual abuse (CSA) myths in court. While we know that jurors believe myths and misconceptions about the nature of CSA, no work has explored how these myths appear during the prosecution of CSA cases. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess how defense attorneys apply myths more specific to CSA in the questioning of children testifying about alleged CSA. The present study compliments and expands upon a previous study by St. George and colleagues (2021a), where authors examined the use of rape myths in the questioning of children making allegations of CSA. In the current study, we examined testimonies of 122 children testifying in criminal cases of alleged CSA in the United States. We qualitatively coded 6,384 lines of questioning for references to CSA-focused myths related to the disclosure process, witnesses and privacy issues, assumptions of harm, and the child's positive relationship with the perpetrator. These myths were common, occurring in over 10% of defense attorneys' lines of questioning. Disclosure issues were the most frequent, followed by witness and privacy issues, assumptions of harm, and the child's positive relationship with their perpetrator. In many cases, attorneys employed different strategies across child's age to highlight these myths. These findings compliment those of prior work suggesting that CSA myths, much like rape myths, are appearing with regularity. Defense attorneys are likely capitalizing on jurors' misconceptions to undermine children's believability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Denne
- New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, 3357Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ, USA
| | - Suzanne St George
- School of Criminal Justice and Criminology, 14658University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Stacia N Stolzenberg
- Criminology and Criminal Justice, 7864Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Hornor G. Nonoffending Caregiver Support After Child Sexual Abuse: Essentials for the Forensic Nurse. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING 2023; 19:60-66. [PMID: 36812374 DOI: 10.1097/jfn.0000000000000360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a pediatric health problem of epidemic proportions. CSA can result in significant lifelong physical and mental health consequences. A disclosure of CSA affects not only the child but also everyone close to the child. Nonoffending caregiver support after a disclosure of CSA is key to optimal victim functioning. Forensic nurses play an integral role in the care of CSA victims and are uniquely positioned to ensure best outcomes for both child victims and their nonoffending caregivers. In this article the concept of nonoffending caregiver support is explored, and = implications for forensic nursing practice delineated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail Hornor
- Author Affiliations: International Association of Forensic Nurses
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14
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Lavoie J, Williams S, Lyon TD, Quas JA. Do children unintentionally report maltreatment? Comparison of disclosures of neglect versus sexual abuse. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 133:105824. [PMID: 35970086 PMCID: PMC9999469 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Children's initial reports often play a key role in the identification of maltreatment, and a sizeable amount of scientific research has examined how children disclose sexual and physical abuse. Although neglect constitutes a large proportion of maltreatment experiences, relatively little attention has been directed toward understanding whether and how children disclose neglect. The overarching aim of the present study was to document this process by comparing disclosure patterns in cases of neglect to those in cases of sexual abuse. METHOD Redacted jurisdiction reports (N = 136) of substantiated dependency cases of neglect (n = 71) and sexual abuse (n = 65) in 4- to 17-year-olds were coded for why maltreatment was suspected, and for children's perceived awareness and disclosure of the maltreatment. RESULTS Neglect was most often initially suspected via contact with emergency services (e.g., police, emergency medical services), whereas sexual abuse was most often initially suspected as a result of children's statements. Children evidenced greater perceived awareness of sexual abuse than neglect and were more likely to disclose the former in their first investigative interview. Perceived awareness was further associated with a higher likelihood of children's statements initiating discovery of maltreatment and disclosing in the first investigative interview. CONCLUSIONS Children may benefit from greater knowledge about their needs for safety, supervision, and provision in the home, which could increase the likelihood they would disclose neglect. Such, in turn, could lead to earlier interventions for children and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Lavoie
- University of Edinburgh, Moray House School of Education & Sport Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Shanna Williams
- McGill University, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology Education Building, 3700 McTavish St, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1Y2, Canada
| | - Thomas D Lyon
- University of Southern California, Gould School of Law, 699 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0071, United States of America
| | - Jodi A Quas
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Psychological Science, 4328 Social and Behavioral Sciences Gateway, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
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15
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Elliott SA, Goodman KL, Bardwell ES, Mullin TM. Reactions to the disclosure of intrafamilial childhood sexual abuse: Findings from the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 127:105567. [PMID: 35278820 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For child sexual abuse (CSA) victims, disclosure can be helpful or harmful depending on how recipients respond. Despite a growing body of literature examining reactions to disclosure, little is known about the experiences of current CSA victims, particularly those abused by family. OBJECTIVE We aimed to describe and explore the initial disclosure experiences of intrafamilial CSA victims, and whether reactions varied based on the type of disclosure recipient. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING This study utilized anonymous, archival data from the US-based National Sexual Assault Online Hotline (NSAOH), and focused on a sample of 224 intrafamilial CSA victims who had previously disclosed to one type of recipient. METHODS NSAOH staff summarized children's disclosure experiences via an open-ended survey field. Data were independently coded using the Social Reactions Questionnaire. RESULTS Nearly three-fourths (73%) of children described receiving a negative reaction to disclosure. Negative reactions included distracting or dismissing the victim (33%), not believing the victim (29%), or retaliating or responding violently following disclosure (10%). Children most frequently disclosed abuse to non-offending family (66%), friends (17%), and formal support providers (12%). Relative to friends and intimate partners, victims were more likely to discuss negative reactions from family (49% v 87%, respectively, Cramer's V = 0.33, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Disclosing to non-offending family may be unproductive and potentially harmful for some children. This study has implications for disclosure-related planning protocols on anonymous hotlines. Findings underscore the importance of educating the public, and parents in particular, about how to respond to CSA disclosures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon A Elliott
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), Research and Evaluation, 1220 L St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States of America.
| | - Kimberly L Goodman
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), Research and Evaluation, 1220 L St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States of America.
| | - Emma S Bardwell
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), Research and Evaluation, 1220 L St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States of America.
| | - Tara M Mullin
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), Research and Evaluation, 1220 L St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States of America.
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Żurek A, Szostak M. The Polish adaptation of the Revised NICHD Investigative Interview Protocol. CURRENT ISSUES IN PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 10:177-183. [PMID: 38013824 PMCID: PMC10653553 DOI: 10.5114/cipp.2022.112912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we introduce the Polish adaptation of the Revised NICHD (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development) Investigative Interview Protocol (2014). The protocol is an evidence-based method for interviewing child witnesses and crime victims. Compared with the Standard NICHD Investigative Interview Protocol (2008), the revised version includes strategies and techniques for providing emotional support to the interviewed child. This paper describes both the standard and the revised versions of the protocol, presents scientific evidence for its efficacy, and introduces the Polish language adaptation of the tool. The recipients of this methodological instrument could include judges and forensic psychology expert witnesses, who are to actively participate in interviewing child witnesses and victims under Article 185 of the Polish Code of Criminal Procedure, as well as students of law, psychology and criminology preparing to perform these roles in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Żurek
- Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Szostak
- Faculty of Law, Administration and Economics, Department of Criminology and Security Studies, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
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17
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Eisen ML, Goodman GS, Diep J, Lacsamana M, Ristrom LJ, Qin JJ. Disclosures of Sexual and Physical Abuse across Repeated Interviews. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2021; 30:932-952. [PMID: 34384332 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2021.1960457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the recorded interviews of 132 children between 3 and 16-years of age who were involved in a forensic investigation evaluating allegations of sexual and/or physical abuse. As part of this investigation, two interviews were conducted over a 5-day period. The interviews were analyzed to examine how frequently these children disclosed substantiated allegations of abuse when asked directly about these experiences in one or both interviews. Results revealed that 39.2% of children with substantiated sexual abuse and 55.6% of those with substantiated physical abuse denied these experiences in one or both interviews. The denial rate was highest among school aged children (6- to-10-year- olds), as over a third of the girls and more than half of the boys in this age group denied the substantiated allegations in one or both interviews. Recantations were also relatively common, as 24% of the children who disclosed sexual and/or physical abuse prior to the assessment denied the allegations in one or both interviews. The youngest children (3- to 5-year-olds) were most likely to be inconsistent in their denials/disclosures across interviews. Custody status and relation to the perpetrator also predicted denials/disclosures of sexual, but not physical abuse. Overall, the data suggest that denials of both sexual and physical abuse are quite common and higher than rates found in most archival file reviews.
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Denne E, Stolzenberg SN, Neal TMS. The effects of evidence-based expert testimony on perceptions of child sexual abuse involving recantation. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254961. [PMID: 34351935 PMCID: PMC8341590 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) cases involving recantation invoke concerns about children’s reliability. Expert testimony can help explain the complexities of these cases. Experts have historically relied on Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome (CSAAS), yet this is not science-based. In a CSA case involving recantation, how would evidence-based testimony affect perceptions of child credibility when compared to CSAAS? Across 2 studies, we test the effects of expert testimony based on evidence-based science, nonscientific evidence, and experience-based evidence on outcomes in CSA cases involving recantation. Evidence-based testimony led to higher perceptions of credibility and scientific rigor of the evidence when compared to CSAAS testimony. Evidence-based testimony also led to more guilty verdicts when compared to the control. In sum, jurors had some ability to detect evidence strength, such that evidence-based expert testimony was superior to CSAAS testimony in many respects, and consistently superior to experience-based testimony in these cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Denne
- New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, Arizona State University, Glendale, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Stacia N. Stolzenberg
- Criminology and Criminal Justice, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Tess M. S. Neal
- New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, Arizona State University, Glendale, Arizona, United States of America
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Grandgenett HM, Pittenger SL, Dworkin ER, Hansen DJ. Telling a trusted adult: Factors associated with the likelihood of disclosing child sexual abuse prior to and during a forensic interview. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 116:104193. [PMID: 31561907 PMCID: PMC7089833 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors delay or withhold disclosure of their abuse, even when presenting for formal investigation interviews. OBJECTIVE This study examined factors that relate to the CSA disclosure process. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS Participants were CSA victims (N = 1,732) presenting to a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) for a forensic interview. METHOD We tested a structural model to predict disclosure before and during a forensic interview using secondary data analysis. RESULTS Youth were less likely to disclose before a forensic interview if they witnessed domestic violence (β = -.233, p < .05). Caregivers were less likely to believe the abuse allegation if the alleged perpetrator resided in the home β = -.386, p < .05) and more likely to believe if the youth made a prior disclosure (β = .286, p < .05). Youth were more likely to disclose during the forensic interview if they were older (β = .388, p < .05), if the alleged perpetrator resided in their home (β = .209, p < .05), if they disclosed prior (β = .254, p < .05), and if their caregiver believed the allegation (β = .213, p < . 05). The alleged perpetrator residing in the youth's home (β = -0.082, p < .05) and making a prior disclosure (β = 0.060, p < .05) were both indirectly associated with forensic interview disclosure through caregiver belief. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the importance of the family context and caregiver belief in the disclosure process for youth involved in formal CSA investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M Grandgenett
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Psychology, 238 Burnett Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA.
| | - Samantha L Pittenger
- Yale School of Medicine, Division of Prevention and Community Research, Department of Psychiatry, 300 George Street New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Emily R Dworkin
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - David J Hansen
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Psychology, 238 Burnett Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
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Malloy LC, Sutherland JE, Cauffman E. Sexual abuse disclosure among incarcerated female adolescents and young adults. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 116:104147. [PMID: 31495522 PMCID: PMC7056491 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is over-represented among incarcerated girls and women. In order to inform effective methods of response, they represent a critical group for better understanding disclosure processes. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the current study was to assess the CSA and CSA disclosure experiences of incarcerated female adolescents and young adults. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants were 94 serious female offenders, ages 15-24 (M = 18.72, SD = 1.94), incarcerated in a secure juvenile facility. METHOD In one-on-one interviews, participants answered questions about abuse characteristics, whether they had previously disclosed, to whom they had disclosed and after how long, and reasons for prior disclosure or nondisclosure. RESULTS Over half of the sample (51.8%,n = 44) reported experiencing CSA. Most individuals who reported a CSA history had previously disclosed (79.5%, n = 35), with approximately equal proportions claiming to disclose within one week (40%) and after a year or years (45.8%). However, 20.5% (n = 9) claimed that our study interview was their first disclosure. Several reasons for their disclosure patterns were endorsed: Most commonly feelings of shame or embarrassment prevented disclosure (56%) and no longer wanting to keep the abuse a secret motivated disclosure (44%). CONCLUSIONS Although many incarcerated girls and women share a history of CSA, our results indicate that the abuse and disclosure experiences of incarcerated females are diverse. Understanding their disclosure patterns can inform mental health services, rehabilitation, and professional interviewing strategies that may facilitate disclosure (e.g., forensic interviews, facility intake interviews).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay C Malloy
- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe St North, Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4, Canada.
| | - Jessica E Sutherland
- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe St North, Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Cauffman
- Psychology and Social Behavior, School of Social Ecology, University of California, Irvine, 4308 Social & Behavioral Sciences Gateway, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
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21
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Johnston V, Benedan L, Brubacher S, Powell M. The roles of child temperament and interviewer support on children's reports of adult wrongdoing. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.110732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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22
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Macleod E, Hobbs L, Admiraal A, La Rooy D, Patterson T. The use and impact of repeated questions in diagnostic child abuse assessment interviews. PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY, AND LAW : AN INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION OF PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY AND LAW 2021; 29:364-380. [PMID: 35756704 PMCID: PMC9225765 DOI: 10.1080/13218719.2021.1910586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There is limited research regarding the use of repeated questions and the subsequent response from children in real-world forensic contexts. We analysed 71 transcripts of diagnostic assessments in which 3- to 6-year-olds were assessed for suspected abuse experiences. On average, 6% of interviewer questions were repeated, and 47% of the repeated questions were abuse-related. The majority (65%) of the repeated questions were directive, but 33% of the repeated questions contained implicit assumptions. Implicit assumption questions were more likely to be abuse-related. Interviewers repeated questions when the child failed to answer due to playing (31%), for no apparent reason (26%) or for clarification purposes (29%). Children most commonly responded to repeat questions by providing new information (64%), not responding at all (19%) or repeating information (12%). We recommend that interviewers avoid the use of suggestive and repeated questions that contain implicit assumptions in relation to assessment of suspected child abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Macleod
- Research School of Psychology, Australia National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Linda Hobbs
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Anita Admiraal
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - David La Rooy
- Department of Law and Criminology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Tess Patterson
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Optentia Research Focus Area, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Baía PAD, Alberto IMM, Dell'Aglio DD. Predictors of recantation after child sexual abuse disclosure among a Brazilian sample. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 115:105006. [PMID: 33711777 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recantation after child sexual abuse (CSA) disclosure refers to the complete denial of prior reports by a victim. In substantiated cases of CSA, recantation has negative effects on criminal proceedings and the protection of current and future victims. Past studies have identified the socio-family factors and CSA characteristics that are associated with recantation. However, the systematization of these risk factors remains limited. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify the predictors of recantation using a sample of criminal cases of CSA. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS The sample consisted of 108 criminal cases of CSA with (n = 46) and without recantation (n = 62). All the cases had been judged in a Brazilian court of law between 2010 and 2016. RESULTS The final logistic regression model consisted of the following five significant predictors of recantation: a lack of support from the caregiver (odds ratio [OR] = 15.90, p < .001), disclosure to a single individual (OR = 13.75, p = .001), parental offending (OR = 12.44, p = .001), a long time interval (i.e., >one week) between disclosure and the reporting of the abuse to the authorities (OR = 8.64, p = .003), and a higher number of formal interviews (OR = 1.50, p = .052). CONCLUSIONS The present findings underscore not only the effects of socio-family factors and the number of interviews on recantation but also the importance of examining the contexts within which previous disclosures of CSA have been made to the assessment of the risk of recantation.
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Lavoie J, Wyman J, Crossman AM, Talwar V. Meta-analysis of the effects of two interviewing practices on children's disclosures of sensitive information: Rapport practices and question type. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 113:104930. [PMID: 33454643 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.104930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE The forensic interview is an important part of the investigative process with child witnesses, and ensuring evidence-based practices is crucial to its success. This meta-analysis examined the overall effect of rapport practices and question type on children's disclosures during forensic interviews to determine (a) how large of an influence existing practices have on children's tendency to disclose information, and (b) how consistent the effect sizes of interviewing practices are across studies, given that inconsistent results have been found. METHOD A systematic review of child interviewing practices was conducted, and 35 studies met the inclusion criteria. Articles were categorized thematically according to interviewing practice. Two practices were predominantly represented in the literature and were selected for review and meta-analysis: rapport techniques, including interviewer support, (n = 9), and question type (n = 25 samples, 23 studies). Random-effects meta-analytic models were computed separately for rapport practices and question type, and moderator analyses were conducted to test for differences according to age and interviewing protocol. RESULTS Rapport techniques had a medium overall effect on children's disclosures (d = 0.55, p < .001), and was moderated by the interviewing protocol used, but not children's age. Open-ended questions compared to closed-ended questions had a medium overall effect on children's descriptions of sensitive events (d = 0.52, p < .001), and was not moderated by age or interviewing protocol. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide overarching support for the use of rapport and support, and the use of open-ended questions in forensic interviews with child witnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Lavoie
- Moray House School of Education & Sport, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Joshua Wyman
- Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, McGill University, Canada.
| | - Angela M Crossman
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, United States.
| | - Victoria Talwar
- Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, McGill University, Canada.
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Lyon TD, Williams S, Stolzenberg SN. Understanding expert testimony on child sexual abuse denial after New Jersey v. J.L.G.: Ground truth, disclosure suspicion bias, and disclosure substantiation bias. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2020; 38:630-647. [PMID: 33210350 PMCID: PMC7909365 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The New Jersey Supreme Court held in New Jersey v. J.L.G. (2018) that experts can no longer explain to juries why sexually abused children might deny abuse. The court was influenced by expert testimony that "methodologically superior" studies find lower rates of denial. Examining the studies in detail, we argue that the expert testimony was flawed due to three problems with using child disclosure studies to estimate the likelihood that abused children are reluctant to disclose abuse: the ground truth problem, disclosure suspicion bias, and disclosure substantiation bias. Research identifying groups of children whose abuse can be proven without reliance on disclosure reveals that denial of sexual abuse is common among abused children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D. Lyon
- University of Southern California Gould School of Law, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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26
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Domagalski K, Gongola J, Lyon TD, Clark SE, Quas JA. Detecting children's true and false denials of wrongdoing: Effects of question type and base rate knowledge. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2020; 38:612-629. [PMID: 33236788 PMCID: PMC7913390 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
One common and unfortunately overlooked obstacle to the detection of sexual abuse is non-disclosure by children. Non-disclosure in forensic interviews may be expressed via concealment in response to recall questions or via active denials in response to recognition (e.g., yes/no) questions. In two studies, we evaluated whether adults' ability to discern true and false denials of wrongdoing by children varied as a function of the types of interview question the children were asked. Results suggest that adults are not good at detecting deceptive denials of wrongdoing by children, even when the adults view children narrate their experiences in response to recall questions rather than provide one word answers to recognition questions. In Study 1, adults exhibited a consistent "truth bias," leading them toward believing children, regardless of whether the children's denials were true or false. In Study 2, adults were given base-rate information about the occurrence of true and false denials (50% of each). The information eliminated the adults' truth bias but did not improve their overall detection accuracy, which still hovered near chance. Adults did, however, perceive children's denials as slightly more credible when they emerged in response to recall rather than recognition questions, especially when children were honestly denying wrongdoing. Results suggest the need for caution when evaluating adults' judgments of children's veracity when the children fail to disclose abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas D Lyon
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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McElvaney R, Nixon E. Parents' Experiences of Their Child's Disclosure of Child Sexual Abuse. FAMILY PROCESS 2020; 59:1773-1788. [PMID: 31715020 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A child's disclosure of sexual victimization is a difficult experience for parents and has been associated with traumatization, disbelief, denial, self-blame, and clinical difficulties. To date, most studies on parents' responses have been quantitative assessments of the psychological impact of disclosure on parents. A paucity of research has qualitatively explored mothers' experiences of their child's disclosure of child sexual abuse (CSA) and fathers' experiences have been even further neglected. The current study seeks to characterize parents' experiences of their child's disclosure of CSA and to uncover the process-oriented nature of parental responses. This qualitative study, using a grounded theory approach to analysis, involved interviews with 10 mothers and four fathers whose children (3-18 years) had experienced sexual abuse. Three themes emerged from the analysis. The first theme-making sense of the abuse in retrospect-captured the process through which parents sought to make sense of their child's disclosure, focusing on why their child had not disclosed the abuse to them earlier, and how they had noticed something was wrong but misattributed their child's behavior to other factors. The second theme-negotiating parental identity as protector-reflected how parents' identity as a protector was challenged, their perception of their world had been forever altered, and they now experienced themselves as hypervigilant and overprotective. The final theme-navigating the services-pertained to parents' struggle in navigating child protection and police services, and feelings of being isolated and alone. These findings highlight the need for empathy and parental support following child disclosure of sexual victimization.
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28
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What to do when a child reports sexual harassment and sexual assault to a medical professional. Int J Impot Res 2020; 34:8-17. [PMID: 32826967 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-020-00345-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Global exposure of children to sexual abuse is widespread. Disclosure may be extremely upsetting for both families and medical professionals. This review provides medical practitioners with practical tips for a stepwise approach of the child who discloses sexual abuse. Having secured a private examination room, the physician should approach the child and caregivers separately to determine the level of concern for abuse and the urgency of the situation. The medical evaluation is based on the information gathered, including a complete physical examination, inspection of the genitalia, collection of forensic evidence, and testing for sexually transmitted diseases. On a case-by-case basis, the need for surgical intervention, prophylactic treatment, and immunization is discussed. Finally, important questions for the medical team to address are outlined with the goal of supporting the child and his/her family and ultimately stopping the abuse.
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Wamser-Nanney R, Campbell CL. Childhood sexual abuse characteristics, abuse stress, and PTSS: Ties to sexual behavior problems. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 105:104290. [PMID: 31822363 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual behavior problems (SBPs) are present in a subset of sexually abused children and are associated with more severe childhood sexual abuse (CSA) experiences; however, few studies have investigated abuse characteristics and SBPs. Children's reports of abuse stressors have not been previously examined and may provide novel information. Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) have also been linked with SBPs but have not been consistently accounted for in prior studies, which may obscure the true relationships between abuse characteristics and stressors with SBPs. Moreover, the term SBP consists of a range of behaviors, including interpersonally-focused SBPs (ISBPs), and the relationships between abuse characteristics and stressors may differ in the context of ISBPs. OBJECTIVE The present study determined whether caregiver-reported abuse characteristics, child-reported abuse stressors, and PTSS, were associated with both SBPs and ISBPs. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Two-hundred and fifty-four sexually abused children (ages 2-12; M = 7.69, SD = 2.67; 58.7 % female; 52.8 % white) participated in the study. RESULTS Child- and caregiver-reported level of PTSS were related to SBPs, and trends were noted for greater caregiver-reported abuse severity and child-reported abuse-related stressors. When ISBPs were examined, boys, younger children, greater CSA severity, and higher levels of PTSS were associated with higher levels of ISBPs. CONCLUSIONS Level of PTSS may be important in identifying children at risk for SBPs and ISBPs, and CSA severity may be more relevant in the development or maintenance of ISBPs specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Wamser-Nanney
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri- St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Claudia L Campbell
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri- St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Denne E, Sullivan C, Ernest K, Stolzenberg SN. Assessing Children's Credibility in Courtroom Investigations of Alleged Child Sexual Abuse: Suggestibility, Plausibility, and Consistency. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2020; 25:224-232. [PMID: 31495202 DOI: 10.1177/1077559519872825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
As children's testimonies of child sexual abuse (CSA) often lack concrete evidence to corroborate a child's claims, attorneys devote a substantial amount of time to establishing a child as credible during the course of a trial. Examining 134 CSA victim testimonies for children aged 5-17 (M = 12.48, SD = 3.34; 90% female), we explored how attorneys assess child credibility through specifically targeting children's suggestibility/honesty, plausibility, and consistency. Results revealed that while prosecutors examine plausibility more often to establish credibility, defense attorneys focus their assessments on suggestibility/honesty and potential inconsistency. However, both attorneys asked many more questions about children's consistency than any other area of potential credibility. Furthermore, while prosecutors ask proportionally more credibility-challenging questions of older children, the defense do not. These results suggest that prosecutors may be missing an opportunity to establish children as honest and consistent and elucidate a need to train attorneys on the implications of children's inconsistencies, suggestibility, and plausible abuse dynamics.
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31
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Elfreich MR, Stevenson MC, Sisson C, Winstead AP, Parmenter KM. Sexual Abuse Disclosure Mediates the Effect of an Abuse Prevention Program on Substantiation. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2020; 25:215-223. [PMID: 31526041 DOI: 10.1177/1077559519874884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Although abuse prevention programs have proliferated, little research has explored the direct effects of such programs on actual child sexual abuse disclosure rates, and no research has explored the effects of such programs on child sexual abuse substantiation. Employing a quasi-experimental design, the present research reflects an exploration of the effects of exposure to the Think First and Stay Safe™ abuse prevention program on abuse disclosure rates of 319 children who underwent a child forensic interview within 2015-2018 in a Midwestern child advocacy center. Supporting our mediational hypotheses, children exposed (vs. not exposed) to the Think First and Stay Safe™ program were significantly more likely to disclose abuse during the forensic interview, which in turn predicted significantly increased abuse substantiation likelihood.
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Baugerud G, Johnson MS, Hansen HBG, Magnussen S, Lamb ME. Forensic interviews with preschool children: An analysis of extended interviews in Norway (2015–2017). APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gunn‐Astrid Baugerud
- Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social PolicyOslo Metropolitan University Faculty of Social Sciences Oslo Norway
| | - Miriam S. Johnson
- Departement of Behavioural SciencesOslo Metropolitan University Oslo Norway
| | - Helle B. G. Hansen
- Faculty of Health SciencesOslo Metropolitan University Faculty of Health Sciences Oslo Norway
| | | | - Michael E. Lamb
- Social and Political SciencesUniv of Cambridge Cambridge United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Lavoie J, Dickerson KL, Redlich AD, Quas JA. Overcoming Disclosure Reluctance in Youth Victims of Sex Trafficking: New Directions for Research, Policy, and Practice. PSYCHOLOGY, PUBLIC POLICY, AND LAW : AN OFFICIAL LAW REVIEW OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA COLLEGE OF LAW AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF LAW 2019; 25:225-238. [PMID: 32103880 PMCID: PMC7043240 DOI: 10.1037/law0000205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
An alarming number of youth worldwide are victims of commercial sexual exploitation, particularly sex trafficking. Normative developmental processes and motivations across the adolescent period-the age when youth are at greatest risk for trafficking-combined with their history, make them highly likely to be reluctant to disclose their exploitation to police, who often encounter victims because they are suspected of delinquency and crime and who interrogate the victims as suspects. Little scientific and policy attention has been devoted to understanding how to question these victims in a way that reduces their disclosure reluctance and increases their provision of legally relevant information. In the current review, we describe research concerning trafficking victims' histories and exploitative experiences, juvenile suspects' and victims' encounters with the legal system, and best-practice forensic interviewing approaches to elicit disclosures from child victims. We highlight the implications of these areas for understanding the dynamics between how police encounter and interact with adolescent trafficking victims and whether and how the victims disclose trafficking details during these interactions. We close with an agenda for research to test interviewing methods for suspected victims of sex trafficking and with policy and practice recommendations for interviewers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelli L Dickerson
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine
| | | | - Jodi A Quas
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine
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Cyr M, Allard MA, Fernet M, Hébert M. Paternal support for child sexual abuse victims: A qualitative study. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2019; 95:104049. [PMID: 31254950 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current state of knowledge regarding the role of non-offending fathers in supporting their sexually abused children is very scarce. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to further our understanding of fathers' roles following disclosure of their children's sexual abuse (SA) by evaluating fathers' perceptions of the impact of disclosure on their involvement and support of their children. PARTICIPANTS AND METHOD This qualitative study relies on individual semi-structured interviews conducted with 17 fathers of allegedly abused children. RESULTS Inductive thematic analysis first highlighted that some reported a period of disengagement from the child during which they put into question their role and attitudes, followed by a period of re-involvement. This period of difficulties experienced by some fathers in regard to their involvement towards their children was due to either their own important psychological distress, their ambivalence towards their child or even because of feelings of uneasiness experienced during physical contact with them. Despite this, findings indicate the presence of thoughts and attitudes that suggest children are a source of concern for fathers. The four forms of abuse-specific support previously observed among mothers (believing the child, seeking out professional services, protecting him/her from the offender, supporting him/her emotionally) were also observed among fathers. In accordance with the activation theory, a form of support specific to fathers, namely, encouraging the child to open up to and explore the world outside the family, thereby, fostering the child's self-esteem development, was observed and constitutes a relevant finding. CONCLUSION Clinical and empirical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille Cyr
- Département de psychologie, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, H3C 3J7, Canada.
| | - Marie-Alexia Allard
- Département de psychologie, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Mylène Fernet
- Département de Sexologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada.
| | - Martine Hébert
- Département de Sexologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada.
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Romano E, Moorman J, Ressel M, Lyons J. Men with childhood sexual abuse histories: Disclosure experiences and links with mental health. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2019; 89:212-224. [PMID: 30710773 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited research on the disclosure experiences of men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse and on how such experiences might impact mental health outcomes. OBJECTIVE The current study described men's disclosure experiences and examined the role of disclosure characteristics on mental well-being (internalizing and externalizing behaviors, substance use, resilience). PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Men (N = 253) from across Canada and the U.S. were recruited through websites for males with sexual abuse histories. Men aged 18-59 years anonymously completed an online study on their sexual abuse, disclosure experiences, and mental health outcomes. RESULTS Findings indicated that 77.9% of men disclosed their sexual abuse, although they waited an average of 15.4 years before sharing their experience. Once disclosed, 64.4% of the men reported a positive response (e.g., support), while 35.6% reported a negative response (e.g., blame). Regression analyses indicated that a greater delay in disclosure predicted greater externalizing behaviors (B = .49, p < .05), although this was a small effect (Cohen's f2 = 0.02). Additional disclosure variables were associated with components of externalizing (aggressive and rule-breaking behaviors) and internalizing (somatic complaints) behaviors. CONCLUSIONS These results require replication in future studies. However, they do suggest that efforts need to be undertaken to address the barriers that hinder men from disclosing their sexual abuse and to ensure that men are supported once they disclose.
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Wyman J, Foster I, Crossman A, Colwell K, Talwar V. The efficacy of free-recall, cognitive load, and closed-ended questions when children are asked to falsely testify about a crime. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Wyman
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology; McGill University; Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - Ida Foster
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology; McGill University; Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - Angela Crossman
- Department of Psychology; John Jay College of Criminal Justice; New York City New York USA
| | - Kevin Colwell
- Department of Psychology; Southern Connecticut State University; New Haven Connecticut USA
| | - Victoria Talwar
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology; McGill University; Montreal Quebec Canada
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Saywitz KJ, Wells CR, Larson RP, Hobbs SD. Effects of Interviewer Support on Children's Memory and Suggestibility: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Experimental Research. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2019; 20:22-39. [PMID: 30803408 DOI: 10.1177/1524838016683457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The accuracy of children's reports of abuse has been hotly debated in the press, academia, and the courtroom. Yet, children's accuracy depends, in part, on the context in which children are interviewed. Guidelines often recommend creating a supportive psychosocial context to promote open, honest responding; however, there is also concern that support promotes social desirability and acquiescence to suggestion, leading children to report more of what they perceive adults want to hear than the truth. The question remains as to whether there is a sufficient body of scientific research to determine whether interviewer supportiveness improves interview outcomes while minimizing children's stress or whether it increases suggestibility and impairs accuracy. Using a systematic search strategy and meta-analyses, this study identifies and reviews findings from experimental studies of the effects of interviewer supportiveness on the accuracy of children's reports. Although the number of studies in the evidence base is small ( n = 15), the studies are of relatively good quality. Results suggest noncontingent interviewer support bolsters children's accuracy. Children are more resistant and less acquiescent to suggestive questions when interviewers are supportive as compared to nonsupportive or neutral. Effects are in the moderate range. Interviewer support is also associated with fewer errors on nonsuggestive questions. Discussion focuses on implications for practice; directions for future research; identifying vulnerable subgroups; and underlying cognitive, social, and emotional mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Saywitz
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christine R Wells
- 2 Institute of Digital Research and Education, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rakel P Larson
- 3 Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Sue D Hobbs
- 4 Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Celik G, Tahiroğlu A, Yoruldu B, Varmiş D, Çekin N, Avci A, Evliyaoğlu N, Nasiroğlu S. Recantation of Sexual Abuse Disclosure Among Child Victims: Accommodation Syndrome. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2018; 27:612-621. [PMID: 30028238 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2018.1477216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disclosing the sexual abuse may be related on many individual and/or environmental factors in all age groups. The sociocultural context is the most influential factor of the disclosing process especially for those living in patriarchal cultural values. This study compares the impacts of sexual abuse and other sociodemographic variables between recanting and non-recanting victimized groups in Adana city from Turkey. METHODS The samples attending our department were divided into two groups: group 1 comprised victims who recanted their first abuse disclosure, and group 2 comprised victims who insisted on the veracity of their first report at further evaluations. The characteristics of the child, family, and abuser were compared between recanting victims and non-recanting victims by retrospective data. RESULTS Each group included 27 children, for a total of 54 subjects. All adverse social reactions after the sexual abuse, including keeping secrets and a repressive family attitude, were higher among group 1 victims than group 2 victims (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Although they are victimized by protecting family integrity, victims may show a tendency to keep secrets and to not immediately disclose an abuse event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonca Celik
- a Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , Adana , Turkey
| | - Ayşegül Tahiroğlu
- a Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , Adana , Turkey
| | - Belgin Yoruldu
- b İskenderun State Hospital , Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic , Hatay , Turkey
| | - Dilek Varmiş
- c Osmaniye State Hospital , Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic , Osmaniye , Turkey
| | - Necmi Çekin
- d Department of Forensic Medicine , Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine , Adana , Turkey
| | - Ayşe Avci
- a Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , Adana , Turkey
| | - Nurdan Evliyaoğlu
- e Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine , Cukurova University , Adana , Turkey
| | - Serhat Nasiroğlu
- f Sakarya University Faculty of Medicine Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , Sakarya , Turkey
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O'Donohue W, Cummings C, Willis B. The Frequency of False Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse: A Critical Review. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2018; 27:459-475. [PMID: 29913113 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2018.1477224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The rate of false allegations has been a topic of research spanning back to as early as the 1970s. Studies have often relied on data gathered by Child Protective Services workers and court administrators. Some researchers have also used hypothetical scenarios to estimate rates. However, given the plethora of sampling methods, there is a large variation in estimated rates of false allegations of sexual abuse depending on the data source and context of the allegation. Additionally, methodological problems such as unclear or invalid criteria used to judge truth or falsity of an allegation, unrepresentative samples, and ignoring important contextual variables such as the stage at which an allegation is made, currently all render the determination of actual rates of false child sexual abuse allegations to be unknown. This examination of literature is intended to gain a firmer understanding of the frequency at which allegations are false and during which stage of prosecution they occur, thus assisting with the legal practice of distinguishing between a false versus positive allegation. Research reviewed supports two general conclusions: (a) the vast majority of allegations are true but (b) false allegations do occur at some non-negligible rate. Suggestions for future research, as well as cautions about claims about specific rates of false allegations in the courtroom, are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brendan Willis
- a Department of Psychology , University of Nevada , Reno , NV , USA
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Wamser-Nanney R, Sager JC. Predictors of maternal support following children's sexual abuse disclosures. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2018; 81:39-47. [PMID: 29709663 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the importance of parental support following children's sexual abuse (CSA) disclosures, there is a dearth of research regarding the predictors of support. Much of the prior literature is limited by the use of small sample sizes, measures of support without adequately reported psychometric properties, and inadequate or inconsistent definitions of support, which hinders the ability to accurately identify key predictors. Further, some potentially important predictors of parental support remain unexplored, including child-reported abuse stressors (e.g., family conflict, nonsupportive disclosure responses). The present study aimed to better delineate predictors of maternal belief and emotional support by examining the links between child, maternal, and family factors, and abuse characteristics as reported by both mothers and children. Two hundred and forty-seven treatment-seeking children (M age = 9.24, SD = 3.74) and their non-offending mothers were included in the study. Select demographic factors (i.e., child's age, minority status), abuse characteristics (i.e., use of penetration, repeated CSA incidents, and amount of CSA characteristics known), and child-reported abuse stressors were tied to levels of maternal belief and/or emotional support. Maternal and family characteristics were unrelated to support. The child's age and whether the abuse occurred more than once remained robust predictors of both aspects of support in multivariate analyses. The amount of CSA information known to the mother predicted emotional support, which may signal the utility of increasing parental knowledge of the abuse to bolster their emotional support. Findings indicate that there are several factors that may influence levels of maternal support, and children who experience certain types of CSA may be at greater risk for lower levels of belief and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Wamser-Nanney
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63121 USA.
| | - Julia C Sager
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63121 USA
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Bracewell TE. Outcry Consistency and Prosecutorial Decisions in Child Sexual Abuse Cases. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2018; 27:424-438. [PMID: 29775169 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2018.1474413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the correlation between the consistency in a child's sexual abuse outcry and the prosecutorial decision to accept or reject cases of child sexual abuse. Case-specific information was obtained from one Texas Children's Advocacy Center on all cases from 2010 to 2013. After the needed deletion, the total number of cases included in the analysis was 309. An outcry was defined as a sexual abuse disclosure. Consistency was measured at both the forensic interview and the sexual assault exam. Logistic regression was used to evaluate whether a correlation existed between disclosure and prosecutorial decisions. Disclosure was statistically significant. Partial disclosure (disclosure at one point in time and denial at another) versus full disclosure (disclosure at two points in time) had a statistically significant odds ratio of 4.801. Implications are discussed, specifically, how the different disciplines involved in child protection should take advantage of the expertise of both forensic interviewers and forensic nurses to inform their decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy E Bracewell
- a Department of Social Sciences , Texas A&M University-Central Texas , Killeen , TX , USA
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Yi M, Lamb ME. The effects of narrative practice on children's testimony and disclosure of secrets. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Misun Yi
- Department of Police Administration; Dongyang University; Yeongju-Si South Korea
| | - Michael E. Lamb
- Department of Psychology; University of Cambridge; Cambridge UK
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Otgaar
- Section Forensic Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Alysha Baker
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada
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Bailey C, Powell M, Brubacher S. Reporting rates of child sexual abuse in Indigenous communities in two Australian jurisdictions. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2017; 68:74-80. [PMID: 28414939 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse is a significant problem in many Indigenous communities; there is also evidence of chronic under-reporting of this crime. This study aimed to compare reporting rates between Indigenous and non-Indigenous cases of child sexual abuse across two Australian jurisdictions. Datasets comprising child sexual abuse reports from the Police Information Management Systems of the two jurisdictions were used to calculate reporting rates, and to compare case characteristics and case progression. Results indicated that the reporting rate for child sexual abuse of Indigenous children was between two and four times that of non-Indigenous children. In the Indigenous cases, the second jurisdiction had lower reporting rates than the first jurisdiction. Further analysis of the Indigenous cases only found that cases in the second jurisdiction were more severe, more likely to have a forensic interview, and more likely for the suspect to be charged, than in the first jurisdiction. However, there were no significant differences in conviction rates between the two jurisdictions. Differences observed in severity and case progression suggest that the lower reporting rates observed in the second jurisdiction may be due to comparatively high levels of under-reporting, rather than lower actual levels of child sexual abuse. In conclusion, reporting rates of child sexual abuse can be better understood when further information, such as case characteristics and case progression rates, is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cate Bailey
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Centre for Investigative Interviewing, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Martine Powell
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Centre for Investigative Interviewing, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Sonja Brubacher
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Centre for Investigative Interviewing, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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[Disclosure of Adolescents in Residential Care Institutions and Boarding Schools after Exposure to Sexual Violence]. Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr 2017; 65:638-654. [PMID: 27819617 DOI: 10.13109/prkk.2016.65.9.638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Disclosure of Adolescents in Residential Care Institutions and Boarding Schools after Exposure to Sexual Violence In international research, many papers exist about the issue of disclosure after having experienced sexual violence. However, specific research regarding disclosure processes of children and adolescents in institutional care are missing, even though those are particularly often affected by sexual violence. In the Germany-wide study "Sprich mit!", adolescents from the age of 15 up (n = 322; average age 16,69 (SD = 1,3); 57,1 % males) who live in residential care or boarding schools were asked for experiences of sexual violence and their consequences by means of a self-report questionnaire. Results showed that the majority of the adolescents (82 %) entrusted themselves to someone, mostly towards peers (56 %) and less frequent towards adults (24 %). Boys and girls opened up equally often, regardless of the severity of the experienced violence. Adolescents who entrusted themselves towards their peers indicated retrospectively more satisfaction than those entrusting themselves towards adults, even if there were no consequences following the disclosure. Considering that the disclosure towards peers did not initiate a process of help, adolescents in institutional care should be better informed about relevant possibilities to entrust themselves and receive support.
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Goodman GS, Jones O, McLeod C. Is There Consensus About Children's Memory and Suggestibility? JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2017; 32:926-939. [PMID: 30145963 DOI: 10.1177/0886260516657358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The modern scientific study of children's eyewitness memory was initially motivated, in important part, by the sensational preschool investigations and prosecutions of the 1980s and 1990s (e.g., the McMartin case, the Kelly Michaels case, the Country Walk case). These cases form the centerpiece of Professor Cheit's scholarly book, The Witch-Hunt Narrative. In recent years, researchers have made great strides in helping the legal system tackle some of the complex issues involved in child sexual abuse investigations. While commenting on Professor Cheit's book, we review areas of consensus regarding child forensic interviewing, areas of disconnect between scientific laboratory studies and needs of the legal system, and the potential effects of bias on the scientific enterprise relevant to Professor Cheit's treatise. Although we find that there is consensus in the field regarding a set of general principles, there is often room for disagreement in evaluating a particular case, and there is still much to be learned about how best to interview children when allegations of sexual abuse arise.
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Friend C, Snyder SM. A Response to "The Legacy of the Witch-Hunt Narrative". JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2017; 32:979-1001. [PMID: 30145964 DOI: 10.1177/0886260516681818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The article provides an overview of and commentary on the last chapter of Cheit's book, The Witch-Hunt Narrative: Politics, Psychology and the Sexual Abuse of Children. The chapter is divided into two sections called "Recent Developments" and "The Legacy of the Witch-Hunt Narrative." We respond to the key assertions in each of those sections, providing discussion points of agreement and disagreement with Cheit, and note some areas Cheit does not cover, including important advances in the aftermath of the witch-hunt narrative (WHN). The article takes the position that there is cause for optimism with these advances in systems responses, child forensic interviewing research, and multidisciplinary team and training approaches; some of these advances are related to the WHN. The conclusion warns of the need to be vigilant about continuing Cheit's work, we suggest this could take place in six key areas: (a) enhanced teacher training, (b) improved court responses to child sexual abuse (CSA) victims, (c) expanded use of Extended Forensic Interviews so that the complex cases (children with disabilities, children from multi problem households) might be thoroughly considered for prosecution, (d) broadened focus on CSA validation, recovery, and prevention, (e) engaged multistate research on the actual occurrence of day care CSA allegations, and (f) expanded efforts to educate the public and potential jury pools about the nuances of CSA prosecution, and the illusion of toughness in how we respond to convicted offenders. Cheit's detailed research enables us to see where we came from, and what else needs to be done to understand the legacy of the WHN.
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McGuire K, London K. Common Beliefs About Child Sexual Abuse and Disclosure: A College Sample. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2017; 26:175-194. [PMID: 28350261 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2017.1281368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Adults' common beliefs about child sexual abuse and disclosure were explored. Participants (N = 670) were questioned about key areas of child sexual abuse that could affect decision-making processes of jurors evaluating child sexual abuse cases. These areas included victim and perpetrator characteristics, medical and behavioral indicators of child sexual abuse, memories for the event, and disclosure of the event. The scientific literature pertaining to these same areas are reviewed. While individual beliefs were consistent with some areas of the scientific literature (e.g., victim and perpetrator characteristics), they strongly contrasted the literature in other important areas (e.g., memories for the event, indicators of child sexual abuse, and the likelihood of denial and recantation). Implications, including the option of providing expert testimony to reduce discrepancies, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine McGuire
- a Department of Psychology , Western Illinois University , Macomb , Illinois , USA
| | - Kamala London
- b Department of Psychology , University of Toledo , Toledo , Ohio , USA
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Rush EB, Stolzenberg SN, Quas JA, Lyon TD. The Effects of the Putative Confession and Parent Suggestion on Children's Disclosure of a Minor Transgression. LEGAL AND CRIMINOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2017; 22:60-73. [PMID: 28286409 PMCID: PMC5342253 DOI: 10.1111/lcrp.12086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined the effects of the putative confession (telling the child that an adult "told me everything that happened and he wants you to tell the truth") on children's disclosure of a minor transgression after questioning by their parents. METHODS Children (N = 188; 4 - 7-year-olds) played with a confederate, and while doing so, for half of the children, toys broke. Parents then questioned their children about what occurred, and half of the parents were given additional scripted suggestive questions. Finally, children completed a mock forensic investigative interview. RESULTS Children given the putative confession were 1.6 times more likely in free recall to disclose truthfully that toys had broken. Among children who failed to disclose during free recall, those who received the putative confession were 1.9 times more likely when asked yes/no questions to disclose true breakage. The putative confession did not decrease accuracy, and children who received the putative confession were 2.6 times less likely to report false toy play. Parent suggestion did not adversely affect the efficacy of the putative confession. CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrates that children are often quite reticent to disclose transgressions, and that the putative confession is a promising avenue for increasing children's comfort with disclosing and minimizing their tendency to report false details, even in the face of suggestive questioning by parents.
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Ahern EC, Sadler LA, Lamb ME, Gariglietti GM. Practitioner Perspectives on Child Sexual Exploitation: Rapport Building With Young People. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2017; 26:78-91. [PMID: 28001494 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2016.1257529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Young people suspected of being sexually exploited are unlikely to have made prior disclosures before being approached by authorities, and this can make them especially uncomfortable when involved in investigations. Semistructured interviews were conducted with frontline social workers and law enforcement practitioners about their experiences interacting with youth during child sexual exploitation investigations. The findings provided some tentative insights into the processes by which practitioners sought to establish rapport with young people who have been exploited and establish themselves as trustworthy abuse disclosure recipients. Practitioners reported that rapport building in child sexual exploitation cases not only occurred over lengthy periods of time (e.g., months or years) but also required repeated contacts between the practitioners and young people, during which practitioners minimized their roles as authorities and maximized their authenticity as caring people. Practitioners mentioned the importance of dependability, lightheartedness, and having a casual demeanor. Findings have implications for managing reluctance and understanding rapport building when working with possible victims.
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