TY - JOUR
T1 - Applying a Research-Based Assessment Model to Child Sexual Abuse Investigations: Model and Case Descriptions of an Expert Center
AU - Laajasalo, T
AU - Korkman, Julia
AU - Pakkanen, Tom
AU - Oksanen, M
AU - Tuulikki, L
AU - Peltomaa, E
AU - Aronen, ET
PY - 2018
Y1 - 2018
N2 - The aims of this study were twofold: First, to describe a comprehensive assessment model utilized in a center specializing in child sexual abuse (CSA) investigations, and second, to describe the nature and characteristics of the families and allegations assessed, and analyze how case characteristics are related to the assessment outcomes of the CSA allegations. The sample consisted of 145 children who participated in a forensic CSA investigation between 2006 and 2011 at the Forensic Psychology Center in Helsinki University Central Hospital. Variables related to family characteristics and the alleged CSA were assessed. In the majority of the cases, the allegation was not substantiated, while a quarter of the allegations remained inconclusive. CSA was confirmed in 17% of the cases. Most of the investigated children and their families had several psychosocial risk factors in their background. The children and families involved in CSA investigations seemed to be a high-risk group in terms of psychiatric symptoms and multiple family background adversities. These were, however, unrelated to the assessment outcome. The importance of using a hypothesis testing approach is discussed, as well as how this can be done in practice.
AB - The aims of this study were twofold: First, to describe a comprehensive assessment model utilized in a center specializing in child sexual abuse (CSA) investigations, and second, to describe the nature and characteristics of the families and allegations assessed, and analyze how case characteristics are related to the assessment outcomes of the CSA allegations. The sample consisted of 145 children who participated in a forensic CSA investigation between 2006 and 2011 at the Forensic Psychology Center in Helsinki University Central Hospital. Variables related to family characteristics and the alleged CSA were assessed. In the majority of the cases, the allegation was not substantiated, while a quarter of the allegations remained inconclusive. CSA was confirmed in 17% of the cases. Most of the investigated children and their families had several psychosocial risk factors in their background. The children and families involved in CSA investigations seemed to be a high-risk group in terms of psychiatric symptoms and multiple family background adversities. These were, however, unrelated to the assessment outcome. The importance of using a hypothesis testing approach is discussed, as well as how this can be done in practice.
KW - CSA assessment outcomes
KW - child investigative interviewing
KW - NICHD interview protocol
KW - hypothesis testing in CSA investigations
KW - child sexual abuse investigations
KW - CSA assessment outcomes
KW - child investigative interviewing
KW - NICHD interview protocol
KW - hypothesis testing in CSA investigations
KW - child sexual abuse investigations
KW - CSA assessment outcomes
KW - child investigative interviewing
KW - NICHD interview protocol
KW - hypothesis testing in CSA investigations
KW - child sexual abuse investigations
U2 - 10.1080/24732850.2018.1449496
DO - 10.1080/24732850.2018.1449496
M3 - Artikel
SN - 1522-8932
VL - 18
SP - 177
EP - 197
JO - Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice
JF - Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice
IS - 2
ER -