Anonymous asked this question on 2/20/2000:

My daughter was the victim of sexual abuse by her friend's older brother. The friend is also a victim (incest). My daughter is 7 and her friend is 6. How do the authorities get the children to talk about their experiences with the older boy and how detailed does it get? How much info do they need and how can they tell if it has acually happened?

lakers gave this response on 2/20/2000:

In most places, law enforcement has special teams trained to deal with child molest/abuse cases. They have been trained in the best ways to get a child to tell what happened. Also, if there has been vaginal or rectal penetration, (be it digital or by penis) the child will be taken to a doctor for an exam with a culpascope. It is an expensive piece of equipment that can magnify and photograph genital trauma, even detecting abnormal redness. This exam will help verify the allegations that are made. Doctors examining such photos are trained to look for evidence of repeated abuse. Obviously, investigators will attempt to get as much detail as possible from your child in order to corroborate time, place etc. that will allow them to see if the suspect is untruthful in any statement given.

If law enforcement deems the case to have sufficient evidence, a report will be presented to your local prosecutorial agency. In larger cities, there are special units of prosecutors trained to specifically deal with child abuse/molest cases. Their offices contain child friendly waiting areas and, if the case is sent to court, a "Kids in court" program will take your child to court ahead of time and familiarize him/her with a courtroom and who will be there. In some states, a child support person is allowed to stay beside a minor child while he/she testifies.

Within the court system, the case may be issued as a misdemeanor, if the contact was over the clothes only. The case could be a felony if there is abuse with skin- to-skin contact, repeated abuse and/or multiple victims. It will depend on the assessment of your prosecutorial agency as to what charges are filed. Also, the suspect may be a juvenile. If so, he will be prosecuted within the juvenile system where penalties are different. In some special situations, juveniles are tried as adults, but this is again a decision made by the prosecutorial agency.

Be sure and ask for detailed explanations from your local law enforcement regarding what will happen. Some prosecutorial agencies have victim/witness assistance programs to answer your questions, but your detective or prosecutor should also answer your questions.

If there is any additional information you require, please let me know. Without alot more facts, I have had to answer with some broad generalities. Please know that I hope things turn out well in this. Remember, if you do not decide to report, there will be more victims.

Laura

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