The study consisted of 43 interview statements, gathered via the cognitive interview. Validity of the allegations' veracity was assessed against forensic corroboration, guilty pleas and withdrawal of complaints. Application of SVA was subjected to inter-rater agreement of criteria selection. SVA was applicable to adult witness statements, although there were certain age-relevant differences in the reliability and validity of criteria. Consistent with previous research on false allegations of rape, a wider range of sexual acts was found in genuine reports and certain characteristics were common to false reports. Contrary to previous findings, no differentiation could be made on the basis of degree or nature of injury sustained. The article makes some refinements to the theoretical underpinnings of SVA and suggests directions for future research to make the technique suitable for police use and more acceptable to the courts. Tables, figures, references, appendixes