The Use of Anatomically Detailed Dolls in Forensic Investigations: Developmental Considerations

ABSTRACT

The use of anatomically detailed dolls in forensic investigations of sexual abuse is a controversial practice. The objections to the use of the dolls are reviewed and discussed in light of empirical evidence. Although the use of anatomically detailed dolls does not appear to elicit sexualized behavior in non-referred children, it is not clear that the dolls facilitate accurate recall of past events in children younger than age 5. Young children's understanding of symbolic relations is considered in interpreting age differences in existing research on the usefulness of anatomically detailed dolls. Although it appears that the dolls facilitate accurate recall in children ages 5 and older, the differences between experimental and forensic settings make it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the usefulness of the dolls in forensic investigations.

KEYWORDS:

• Anatomically detailed dolls
• sexual abuse
• cognitive development
• young children