Warning over repeated interviewing of children in abuse cases

The repetitive interviewing of a child who is believed to have been sexually abused can cause confusion and contaminate the child’s story, according to experts speaking at a national conference yesterday.

This can then result in inconsistencies, potentially undermining the credibility of the child’s account and add to their trauma.

The event, a joint Temple Street Children’s University Hospital and Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin (OLCHC) initiative, focused on how professionals working in the area of child sexual abuse could improve processes in systems that respond to child sexual abuse concerns. It also explored how professionals can address conflicting obligations to provide a sensitive response to children and families.

One of the speakers, Keith O’Reilly, interim director of St Clare’s Unit at Temple Street Children’s Hospital, said the needs of the child should always come first.

“Before interviewing a child where child sexual abuse is a concern, it is important to consider what supports the child requires and that their own wishes and concerns are taken into account,” he said.

He added: “During the interview, it is vital to assess the impact that the abuse has had on the child and family and to conduct an interview in a manner that met the presenting needs of the child,” he explained.

Rhonda Turner, Principal Clinical Psychologist at St Louise’s Unit at OLCHC, which also deals with such cases, said she was particularly concerned about “finding a balance” between sharing children’s information appropriately between agencies and respecting their privacy. “An example of an area that is still under review and would benefit from legislation is the legal system’s interest in child therapy notes where there are named criminal proceedings,” she said.

“If release of therapy notes must occur, for the sake of a fair trial, legislation could allow a Judge decide whether the material in question should be disclosed.”