Out of the woods. A case for using anatomical diagrams in forensic interviews

Abstract

Many people have expressed concerns with utilizing anatomical diagrams in forensic interviews, citing issues of suggestibility in the interview process, traumatization of the child witness, or lack of evidence supporting the use of anatomical diagrams to enhance children’s reports.This article clarifies some of the purposes of utilizing anatomical diagrams in a forensic interview for child abuse investigators and prosecutors and demonstrates the efficacy of anatomical diagrams in facilitating communication with children.