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Victim Recantation in Child Sexual Abuse Cases: The Prosecutor's Role in Prevention

NCJ Number
162569
Journal
Child Welfare Volume: 75 Issue: 3 Dated: (May/June 1996) Pages: 219-233
Author(s)
S P Marx
Date Published
1996
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article explores reasons for victim recantation in child sexual abuse cases and the problems it presents for the continued safety of the child and for the efficacy of child protective services and criminal justice interventions.
Abstract
The article offers practical steps for prosecutors, child protective services workers and attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and members of multidisciplinary teams to prevent recantation of truthful allegations of child sexual abuse. Reasons behind recantation may include pressure from the child's family and from the offender, a sense of self-blame for the offender's arrest, a lack of intervention from other sources of support, and entry into the sometimes difficult dependency and criminal justice systems. Recantation of a truthful allegation of abuse heightens the possibility of recurrence of the assault and may increase the child's vulnerability to further victimization. It also creates an obstacle to an effective prosecution of the alleged offender. Evaluation of the risk of recantation should consider: child's relationship to the offender; family's response after disclosure; child's placement after disclosure; and evidence of direct pressure. The article includes nine suggested interventions to reduce the risk of recantation. Notes, references