Professionals' Views on Child Sexual Abuse Attrition Rates

Larissa Christensen; S Sharman; M Powell

doi:10.1080/13218719.2014.960036

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Professionals' Views on Child Sexual Abuse Attrition Rates

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Professionals' Views on Child Sexual Abuse Attrition Rates

Larissa Christensen, S Sharman and M Powell

Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, Vol.22(4), pp.542-558

2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13218719.2014.960036

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Abstract

agencies

attrition

child sexual abuse

child witness

criminal justice system

cross-examination

professionals

reform

specialisation

system improvements

Child 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. © 2014 The Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law.

Details

Title: Professionals' Views on Child Sexual Abuse Attrition Rates
Authors: Larissa Christensen (Author) - Deakin University
S Sharman (Author) - Deakin University
M Powell (Author) - Deakin University
Publication details: Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, Vol.22(4), pp.542-558
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2015
DOI: 10.1080/13218719.2014.960036
ISSN: 1321-8719
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit; School of Law and Criminology - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451125602621
Output Type: Journal article

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