SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILDRENS AND YOUNG PEOPLES PERSPECTIVES ON INVESTIGATIVE INTERVIEWS

The findings of a small qualitative study of sexually abused children' s and young people's experiences in investigative interviews are prese nted. Fourteen children, nine girls and five boys, aged six to eightee n years participated. They were questioned about all aspects of the in vestigative interview: its location, duration, structure and content. Additionally, the children were asked about the presence of others dur ing the interview, and their feelings concerning the interview, as wel l as what they liked/disliked, found helpful/unhelpful, about the inte rview and interviewers. A number of issues were raised by the young pe ople, concerning their choice about what was happening (e.g. where the interview was held and who was present), as well as difficulties with some interviewers' language, and problems with evidential requirement s for specific details. The interviews were experienced as stressful b y the majority of children. Methodological issues are highlighted, and the findings are discussed in the light of recent legislation affecti ng children, especially the 1991 Criminal Justice Act and 'Memorandum of Good Practice'.