Step By Step — Sixteen Steps Toward A Legally Sound Investigation

This publication is helpful to any professional who faces the challenge of investigating child sexual abuse allegations that raise questions such as whether children are lying, whether adults are listening to accusing children, whether prosecutors are overzealous, and whether parents are using sexual abuse allegation as divorce weapons.

The problem. Throughout the 1980s the problem of sexual abuse rudely awakened this nation. With suggestions that one in four females and one in six males will be sexually abused in childhood, the sobering reality of the problem was unmistakable. But with this sad reality came speculation that perhaps the problem was created by hysterical and manipulative adults. Claims of unjust accusations became as astonishing as claims about the intensity of the sexual abuse problem.

The solution. The answer to the controversy lies in more comprehensive, effective, and legally sound investigations. Rather than debating whether the problem has been created, more efficient methods of discovering the validity of sexual abuse complaints must be implemented. Step By Step is a simple guide for professionals who must investigate claims of child sexual abuse, providing a step-by-step interview protocol to help children explain what may have happened but also respecting the legal integrity of the investigation.

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