Forensic Interviewing Aids: Do Props Help Children Answer Questions About Touching?

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Forensic Science
• Investigative Interviewing

Background:

• Anatomical dolls and body diagrams are commonly used in forensic interviews, based on the assumption they aid child disclosures of abuse.
• This practice is widespread despite limited empirical support for its effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of props, such as anatomical dolls and body diagrams, in enhancing children's disclosures of inappropriate touching during forensic interviews.
• To examine the potential risks associated with prop usage, including the possibility of generating inaccurate reports.

Main Methods:

• Review of studies involving alleged abuse victims, children undergoing medical examinations, and participants in simulated events.
• Analysis of evidence regarding the impact of props on the accuracy and completeness of children's accounts of bodily contact.

Main Results:

• Consistent evidence supporting the benefit of props in improving children's reporting of key information related to bodily contact was not found.
• Studies indicate that props may increase the likelihood of erroneous touch reports.

Conclusions:

• The assumption that props are developmentally appropriate for eliciting disclosures in forensic interviews should be reconsidered.
• Further research is needed to develop and validate alternative, more effective methods for eliciting disclosures of inappropriate touching from children.