When Children are Victims
If your child has been the victim of a crime, he or she will go through much the same procedure as an adult victim. However, your child will not understand much of what is happening. Children think in shorter time spans than adults, so it isn’t always necessary to explain what will be happening months in advance. A brief explanation of what is about to happen at each point and your assurance that you’ll be there with them will help them through each step of the process.
In addition to talking with a police officer to report the incident, they may be interviewed by a juvenile officer or other investigator, if your law enforcement agency has an investigations division.
Perpetrators may be strangers, friends or acquaintances, other juveniles, parents, other relatives, temporary care providers (e.g., teachers, child care workers, baby-sitters), foster parents, or others. The kind of perpetrator may have significant bearing on the steps the investigation takes.
If the alleged perpetrator is anyone living in the same home as the child (and in certain other circumstances), the Department of Social Services may conduct its own investigation and interview family members and acquaintances.
Because children often find it difficult to talk in front of a large group of strange people, under certain conditions the judge might allow them to testify by videotaped recording.
At least one more interview, this time with the solicitor, will be necessary prior to the child’s testifying for court. Some counties have children’s centers which greatly reduce the number of times your child will be interviewed. At children’s centers all the interviewers gather together to do their work in an atmosphere that is more friendly for the child.
Part of the evidence gathering process may include a medical examination, some tests, and photographs. These are for both your child’s benefit and to build a criminal case for court.
Your solicitor’s office may have individuals specially trained to handle cases in which children are victims of crime. During this time your child needs all the love and support you can give. Your victim assistant will be a good source of help and information about what lies ahead.
You may want special counseling for your child. Ask your victim assistant if there are child counseling services available to you. In some areas, counseling may be available at little or no cost.
Your child will need to tell his or her story several times. You should be careful not to encourage your child to say things that he or she thinks will please you, but do encourage your child to tell everything and tell it truthfully.