| Abstract: |
The interviewing of the child victim of sexual exploitation is one of the first and most important steps in solving and prosecuting a case of child exploitation and is the topic of this document. The first chapter discusses the interviewer's role, focusing on improving communication, dealing with emotion, the interviewer's response, male or female investigator, and team interviewing. The developmental stage of the child, dynamics of sexual exploitation, and juveniles as witnesses are discussed in the second chapter. Preparation for the interview is discussed in the third chapter, discussing the child's family, the medical examination, others present during the interview, decision to record, and selecting the interview site. The interview itself is the topic of the fourth chapter which discusses beginning the interview, use of anatomically correct dolls, questioning the child victim, and closing the interview. Essays on special considerations in investigating ritualistic child sexual abuse and in obtaining and using expertise search warrants in cases of preferential child molesters are provided. A bibliography is included. The appendix includes charts categorizing the sexual victimization of children and situational and preferential child molesters, as well as a model of the cycle of violence. A model proviso is included. (ABL) |