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Professionals’ views on child sexual abuse attrition rates
journal contribution
posted on 2015-01-01, 00:00 authored by Larissa Christensen, Stefanie SharmanStefanie Sharman, Martine PowellChild 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.
History
Journal
Psychiatry, psychology and lawVolume
22Issue
4Pagination
542 - 558Publisher
Taylor & FrancisLocation
London, Eng.Publisher DOI
ISSN
1321-8719eISSN
1934-1687Language
engPublication classification
C Journal article; C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2015, The Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and LawUsage metrics
Keywords
agenciesattritionchild sexual abusechild witnesscriminal justice systemcross-examinationprofessionalsreformspecialisationsystem improvementsSocial SciencesScience & TechnologyLife Sciences & BiomedicineCriminology & PenologyLawPsychiatryPsychology, MultidisciplinaryGovernment & LawPsychologyPERCEPTIONSDISCLOSURELaw
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