Sexually Abused Children's and Young People's Perspectives on Investigative Interviews

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 abusedchildren's and young people's experiences in investigative interviewsare presented. Fourteen children, nine girls and five boys,aged six to eighteen years participated. They were questionedabout all aspects of the investigative interview: its location,duration, structure and content. Additionally, the childrenwere asked about the presence of others during the interview,and their feelings concerning the interview, as well as whatthey liked/disliked, found helpful/unhelpful, about the interviewand interviewers. A number of issues were raised by the youngpeople, concerning their choice about what was happening (e.g.where the interview was held and who was present), as well asdifficulties with some interviewers' language, and problemswith evidential requirements for specific details. The interviewswere experienced as stressful by the majority of children. Methodologicalissues are highlighted, and the findings are discussed in thelight of recent legislation affecting children, especially the1991 Criminal Justice Act and ‘Memorandum of Good Practice’.