Using anatomical dolls in child sexual abuse forensic interviews

Date

2004

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Update, Newsletter of the National Center for the Prosecution of Child Abuse

Abstract

Should anatomical dolls be used in child sexual abuse forensic interviews? It is a question that each multidisciplinary team of investigative professionals must ask and answer. Multidisciplinary teams should make the decision by considering current case law or state statutes, peer reviewed research, and experts' experience. This is a much better approach than relying on preconceived ideas. In Hennepin County, Minnesota the answer to the question has been a resounding "yes." The forensic interviewers of CornerHouse, the County's child abuse evaluation and training center, have found anatomical dolls to be an effective tool in the interviewing of child sexual abuse victims. The debate over the pros and cons of anatomical dolls has been fully explored elsewhere. This article is intended for jurisdictions using or considering the use of anatomical dolls, and is written in the hope of encouraging the forensically sound use of dolls.

Description

Keywords

forensic interview, anatomical dolls, developmentally appropriate

Citation

Holmes, L. S. (2004). Using anatomical dolls in child sexual abuse forensic interviews. Update, Newsletter of the National Center for the Prosecution of Child Abuse, 13(8).

DOI