Saywitz, K. J., & Snyder, L. (1996). Narrative development: Testing of a new method of interviewing children. Journal of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, 64, 1347-1357. Saywitz, K. J., Wells, C. R., Larson, R. P., & Hobbs, SD (2019). Effects of interviewer support on children`s memory and suggestibility: a systematic review and meta-analyses of experimental research.
Trauma, Violence & Abuse, 20, 22-39. She goes on to suggest that, despite the possible complications of testifying about abused children, it is crucial that they continue to do so – not only for the administration of justice, but also because it has the potential to correct some of the injustices done to their development. This involves a discussion of moral development – the process by which children acquire notions of right and wrong in their environment. It also reviews leading research showing the damage maltreatment can have on the development of a child`s moral thinking skills. In doing so, I suggest that children be encouraged to testify when they are able to do so, as this gives them the opportunity to regain control, gives them a sense of empowerment, and a sense of retaliation against the abuser. If the child`s experience, from the charge to the decision, is treated properly and sensitively, the child can benefit from the statement. Kostopoulos, M. B., Iversen, S., Magnussen, S., & Melinder, A. (2019). Beliefs about young children as witnesses: a survey of experienced defense attorneys and psychological experts.
International Journal on Child Maltreatment, 2, this issue. This chapter presents the author`s personal perspective, shaped by her own journey through the myriad of psychological and legal issues encountered when examining children`s testimonies. First, it summarizes some of what is known about child witnesses, adult interviewers, and the interrogation environment. Second, it reveals where psychological research is currently “going” in relation to topics that tend to dominate the published literature. He then suggests a series of “blind spots” that psychologists and lawyers might consider. Finally, it suggests topics for further research or debate by psychologists and lawyers. This article reviews current research on the experiences of the child in the criminal courtroom3 and focuses on child-specific competence and other barriers, as well as alternative procedures that have been implemented to overcome child witness limitations. It examines how the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions regarding the Sixth Amendment Confrontation Clause have changed the experience of child witnesses in the United States. It compares U.S.
practices with different methods implemented in other countries and identifies the most effective measures. McWilliams, K., & Goodman, GS (2019). Parental bias, parent-child discussion, and eyewitness accounts of children. International Journal on Child Maltreatment, 2, this issue. The legal system places a high demands on child witnesses in its objective of administering justice. In return, children should benefit from their experiences. The term proposed here suggests that they can. When supported on the path from prosecution to decision, the child victim has the opportunity to be heard, empowered and can regain a sense of control. All of this serves to repair some of the damage done to their notions of fairness and justice, as the second half of this special issue examines adults` views on allegations of child (and adult) sexual abuse. In the legal context, decisions about children made by both potential jurors and professionals such as family court officials, clinicians and lawyers are as important, if not more important, than the accuracy of child sacrifice (Melton, 1981; Wigmore, 1909).
Even if children`s testimonies are both accurate and competent, adults` pre-existing beliefs may discourage them from believing children`s stories. Racial prejudice is an example. Unfortunately, such bias can cloud the judgment of adults. Because racial bias is well documented in American society, it could lead to the suffering and credibility of minority children being ignored in child sexual abuse cases. The study by Alley et al. (2019) explored how the Jezebel stereotype, i.e., the belief that Black women are more promiscuous and libidinous than White women (Collins 2009; Harris-Perry, 2011; Pilgrim, 2002), influences both the representation of black women and adult views on child sexual abuse.
Recent Comments