Standards
-
Any member of law enforcement, the DA's office,
their representatives, social workers, case workers, etc. who are given
the task of investigating a sexual abuse case must have undergone a minimum
number of specific classes that are taught by persons who a specialists
in the field of sexology and/or child psychology.
-
A class on interview techniques for alleged
abusers in sexual abuse cases.
-
A class on interview techniques for children
in sexual abuse cases.
-
A class on interview techniques for the
accuser.
-
A class on interview techniques for potential
witnesses.
-
A class on how to build a proper case.
-
A class on the suggestibility of young
children.
-
A class on the effects of sexual abuse
on children.
-
A class on general child psychology and
sexology.
-
A class on repressed memory and false repressed
memory.
-
A class on proper paperwork procedures,
grammar, and language skills (any qualified person may teach this class).
-
Any member of law enforcement, the DA's office,
their representatives, social workers, case workers, etc. whose job includes
sexual abuse cases must take various refresher courses every year.
-
All interviews with the alleged victim, the
accuser, and potential prosecution witnesses must be recorded.
-
Any member of law enforcement, the DA's office,
their representatives, social workers, case workers, etc. who interview
a child in a sexual abuse cases must take the above mentioned courses (this
does not include the responding officer who does not conduct an "interview"
but only takes voluntary statements).
-
Any member of law enforcement, the DA's office,
their representatives, social workers, case workers, etc. with the alleged
victim, the accuser, and potential prosecution witnesses must be recorded
on both video and audio assuring the best audio quality possible (this
does not include the responding officer).
-
The video and audio recording devices must
remain running for the entire interview, including any interruptions or
breaks.
-
A licensed and reputable psychiatrist or psychologist
must review all interviews with the alleged victim, the accuser, and all
potential witnesses.
-
This reviewer must have training in child
sexual abuse, sexology, and proper interview techniques for children, accusers,
witnesses, and alleged abusers.
-
In instances where the child was originally
interviewed by a licensed and reputable psychiatrist or psychologist a
different licensed and reputable psychiatrist or psychologist must review
the recordings.
-
Before any felony sex charge(s) are issued
the district attorney's office must review the interview(s), the opinion
of the licensed and reputable psychiatrist or psychologist who reviewed
the interview(s), and all other relevant evidence. Then the DA's office
may initiate the charges.
These very straightforward and relatively
simple standards would prevent the abuse, misuse, and mishandling that
occurs with this type of charge. Children need protection from people who
would abuse them. The best way possible to do this is to prevent the abuse
before it occurs. This is not always realistic or possible. That means
prosecuting, punishing, and treating those who abuse children. The best
way to do this is to have standards like the ones above. This will protect
children by removing abusers and protect those who are falsely accused.