An overview of best practice investigative interviewing of child witnesses of sexual assault

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Author(s)
Powell, Martine
Brubacher, Sonja
Benson, Mairi
Goodman-Delahunty, Jane
Westera, Nina
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Bryce, India

Petherick, Wayne

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2020
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Abstract

A properly conducted forensic interview has the greatest chance of eliciting a complete and accurate account from children about their experiences. We review the features of best practice interviews within the framework of a recent analysis of interviews from several Australian jurisdictions. Transcripts of 118 police interviews with child sexual abuse complainants were assessed on best practice measures related to: inclusion of appropriate introductory phases; use of questions that encourage narrative responding; avoidance of leading questions, nonverbal aids, and unnecessary questions. Although there were some positive features, in general the interviews were not consistent with primary criteria of a good interview. They were characterised by low proportions of open-ended prompts; high numbers of specific, leading, and developmentally inappropriate questions; complex delivery of ground rules; and the absence of open-ended practice narratives. We conclude by presenting evidence-based solutions to close the gap between knowledge of quality interviewing behaviours and putting those skills into practice.

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Child Sexual Abuse: Forensic Issues in Evidence, Impact, and Management

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Criminology

Psychology

Forensic psychology

Applied and developmental psychology

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Powell, M; Brubacher, S; Benson, M; Goodman-Delahunty, J; Westera, N, An overview of best practice investigative interviewing of child witnesses of sexual assault, Child Sexual Abuse Forensic Issues in Evidence, Impact, and Management, 2020, pp. 445-466

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