What is it. Forensic interviewing is a process in which a trained interviewer gathers information from a victim, witness, or person of interest in relation to a crime. The goal is to collect sufficient information and evidence for a successful prosecution while simultaneously protecting the child and/or youth’s psychological and emotional safety by avoiding re-traumatization.…
What is it. This study investigates whether the presence of facility dogs during forensic interviews with children influences the quality of the interviews—specifically, whether children provide more detailed accounts of alleged abuse and whether interviewers maintain adherence to non-suggestive questioning protocols. The findings suggest that while facility dogs may help reduce stress and provide emotional…
What is it. A child’s statement is often the most critical evidence during investigations. Interviewers rely on monitors to help track details, identify gaps, and support adherence to best practice interviewing. This study examines the role of interview monitors in child forensic interviews through interviews with 13 police and social worker interviewers/monitors. It explored how the role is understood and what practices best support high-quality…
What is it. This panel topic was child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). This is a growing global concern. The panel reviews some relevant research on the topic of CSAM. Panelists discussed working with victims and families throughout the process, with specific discussions about forensic interviewing in CSAM cases. The panel explored practical concerns and strategies…
What is it. While existing research has identified numerous risk factors associated with child sexual exploitation, less attention has been given to the cognitive and interpersonal processes that shape how youth understand and navigate their experiences. This study explores how female youth perceive and make sense of their experiences of sexual exploitation. Reports from children’s services workers in Quebec were examined to identify and describe the…
What is it. Problematic sexual behaviour occurs when children aged 12 and younger engage in sexual actions that are not typical for their age and are developmentally inappropriate. These actions can potentially harm themselves or others. This practice brief provided an overview of problematic sexual behaviour and offered considerations for a multidisciplinary response within the…
What is it. This study looked at the factors that delayed or facilitated disclosure of abuse within children’s forensic interviews at a CYAC in Turkey. This study looked at 403 cases of children under 18 referred to a CYAC for suspected abuse. The authors found that the presence of witnesses or evidence was the most common facilitator of disclosure. The most common…
What is it. This study examined therapeutic outcomes for 218 children who completed psychotherapy following sexual abuse, tracked over a 10-year period in a Quebec CYAC. Most children experienced severe or repeated abuse and often faced additional adversities, such as exposure to other forms of child abuse and neglect. While the number of centralized services…
What is it. This panel focused on problematic sexual behaviour in children. Problematic sexual behaviour occurs when children aged 12 and younger engage in sexual actions that are not typical for their age and are developmentally inappropriate. These actions can potentially harm themselves or others. This panel looked at when sexual behaviour between children becomes…
What is it. This article examined the experiences of young people disclosing sexual abuse to law enforcement and the impact of the justice system. Youth were recruited from Canada and Ireland through community-based sexual abuse/assault agencies, specialized clinics, and CYACs to discuss their disclosure experiences. The authors relied on the voices of young people to…