Professionals' Views on Child Sexual Abuse Attrition Rates

Abstract

Child sexual abuse cases often do not result in convictions; this attrition is due to factors inside and outside the control of the justice system. The aims of the current study were to: (1) establish the most important factors in contributing to the attrition of child sexual abuse; and (2) suggest ways to reduce the attrition associated with these factors. This study focused on system improvements to determine where efforts should be prioritised. The research approach consisted of in-depth interviews with 31 professionals from various disciplines (including police, judges, child welfare officers, doctors and psychologists). The interviewees represented a diverse group of professionals offering unique perspectives. Thematic analysis revealed five broad areas requiring focus for improvement and further reform: greater specialisation, facilitating the accessibility of services, making the trial process more user-friendly, overcoming misinformed beliefs and adequate representation of child sexual abuse. These areas, along with professionals’ practical recommendations, are discussed.

Key words:

• agencies
• attrition
• child sexual abuse
• child witness
• criminal justice system
• cross-examination
• professionals
• reform
• specialisation
• system improvements

Notes

1. In total, 81 email invitations were sent out, giving an acceptance rate of 38%.

2. If the child has previously disclosed the abuse to an individual, the child does not undergo an initial interview. Instead, the child commences with a forensic interview. This excludes disclosure to the child's caregiver; if the child has previously disclosed only to their caregiver, they must undergo an initial interview.

3. Since data collection of the present study, child-friendly interview rooms have started being established in remote areas of the current jurisdiction.

4. As mentioned earlier, since the data collection of the present study ended, the establishment of child-friendly interview rooms has started in remote areas of the jurisdiction.