Forensic Interview Techniques in Child Sexual Abuse Cases: A Scoping Review
Date
2023
Journal Title
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Publisher
Trauma, Violence, & Abuse
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is widely recognized as a global public health problem with negative consequences for victims,
their families, and society. The child’s testimony is essential to the case outcome, given the frequent absence of physical or
biological evidence of the abusive acts. Thus, the child forensic interview plays a decisive role in criminal investigation. The
present scoping review aims to identify and describe the judicial procedures for collecting CSA victims’ testimony using
an evidence-based approach and a structured methodology. The review followed Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic
Reviews and Meta-Analysis-Scoping Review guidelines. Studies were identified through manual reference checking and in four
electronic databases: PsycARTICLES, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. In all, 146 studies were identified according
to the defined inclusion criteria, that is, empirical studies identifying judicial procedures to collect CSA victims’ testimony,
published in English or Portuguese. In total, 30 different forensic interview procedures to collect the child victim’s testimony
were found. The National Institute for Child Health and Human Development investigative interview protocol was the most
frequently mentioned. Despite the variety of protocols, it was possible to conclude that they have a similar general structure.
This review also identified gaps in interviewing practices with CSA victims. The scoping review corroborates the importance
of forensic interviews with CSA victims, stating its implications for criminal investigation, the legal system, and the child’s
recovery process.
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Keywords
International Resources, Portugal, child sexual abuse, forensic interview, testimony, scoping review
Citation
Fernandes, D., Gomes, J. P., Albuquerque, P. B., & Matos, M. (2023). Forensic Interview Techniques in Child Sexual Abuse Cases: A Scoping Review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 15248380231177317.