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© British Association of Social Workers
Sexually Abused Children's and Young People's Perspectives on Investigative Interviews
Lecturer in Psychology at the Open University
Professor of Psychology and Head of Department at the University of Leicester
Correspondence to Helen Westcott, Lecturer in Psychology, Gardiner Building, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA
Summary
The findings of a small qualitative study of sexually abused children's and young people's experiences in investigative interviews are presented. Fourteen children, nine girls and five boys, aged six to eighteen years participated. They were questioned about all aspects of the investigative interview: its location, duration, structure and content. Additionally, the children were asked about the presence of others during the interview, and their feelings concerning the interview, as well as what they liked/disliked, found helpful/unhelpful, about the interview and interviewers. A number of issues were raised by the young people, concerning their choice about what was happening (e.g. where the interview was held and who was present), as well as difficulties with some interviewers' language, and problems with evidential requirements for specific details. The interviews were experienced as stressful by the majority of children. Methodological issues are highlighted, and the findings are discussed in the light of recent legislation affecting children, especially the 1991 Criminal Justice Act and ‘Memorandum of Good Practice’.