I’ll show you what I witnessed. Children’s abilities to use non-anatomical dolls in forensic interviewing

<p>Two studies examined the effectiveness of using non-anatomical (non-AD) dolls as an interview tool, to aid children's communication about body positioning. In the first study, 49 6-8-year-old children took part in a game. Thirty minutes to an hour later, they were interviewed using the Specialist Child Witness Interview model. This was done verbally or with the opportunity to use non-AD dolls to clarify their own and others' body positioning. There was no difference in the amount of information reported nor the accuracy of children's reports when comparing both conditions. To complement the first study, the second study examined jurors' perceptions of children's abilities to use non-AD dolls. Non-AD dolls were generally thought to be helpful, but jurors identified some risks. However, jurors did not have strong beliefs about how non-AD dolls would influence the evidence that children provided. When jurors viewed a video of a child recounting a past event, their beliefs about non-AD dolls were more influential when evaluating a child's credibility than whether or not a non-AD doll was used during the interview. Overall, even when used in conjunction with evidence-based techniques, these findings do not support the use of non-AD dolls to help communicate body positioning in child forensic interviewing.</p>

I’ll show you what I witnessed. Children’s abilities to use non-anatomical dolls in forensic interviewing

<p>Two studies examined the effectiveness of using non-anatomical (non-AD) dolls as an interview tool, to aid children's communication about body positioning. In the first study, 49 6-8-year-old children took part in a game. Thirty minutes to an hour later, they were interviewed using the Specialist Child Witness Interview model. This was done verbally or with the opportunity to use non-AD dolls to clarify their own and others' body positioning. There was no difference in the amount of information reported nor the accuracy of children's reports when comparing both conditions. To complement the first study, the second study examined jurors' perceptions of children's abilities to use non-AD dolls. Non-AD dolls were generally thought to be helpful, but jurors identified some risks. However, jurors did not have strong beliefs about how non-AD dolls would influence the evidence that children provided. When jurors viewed a video of a child recounting a past event, their beliefs about non-AD dolls were more influential when evaluating a child's credibility than whether or not a non-AD doll was used during the interview. Overall, even when used in conjunction with evidence-based techniques, these findings do not support the use of non-AD dolls to help communicate body positioning in child forensic interviewing.</p>

Use of demonstration means (anatomic dolls) during interrogation of a minor

The article deals with the use of demonstration means during the interrogation of minors who are victims of violent crimes, including those committed on sexual grounds. It is noted that in practice it is very difficult to communicate with children affected by violence. First, the child locks himself in and does not want to tell the stranger what happened to her. Secondly, at a young age, a child may not be able to correctly describe an event because of a lack of terminology, especially that of anatomical parts of the body. It is possible to obtain the necessary testimonies from a child without stress and psychological trauma through the use of anatomical dolls, since the child associates himself with the doll and can even show how it has been harmed. That is, by asking a "third party" question, it is better to establish contact between the psychologist or the investigator and the child. Not only children, but also people with certain mental health problems, impaired language and sensory sensations, etc., can better express what has happened to them through demonstration tools. The characteristics of such demonstration means as "anatomical dolls" are highlighted, the principles of their use are outlined, attention is paid to their importance for pre-trial proceedings. A variety of demonstration options are offered, depending on the situation at the interrogation. It is substantiated that it is necessary to conduct the interrogation without unnecessary psychological traumatism in a child-friendly environment in which it will feel safe. The best option is to interview in a "crisis room" that is specifically tailored to handle this category of people, including video conferencing. Tactical and procedural peculiarities of engaging in the interrogation of juvenile victims of violent and sexual crimes, a psychologist, a legal representative and other obligatory participants are explored. Knowing the peculiarities of psychological development at a certain stage of the child's development, it is the psychologist who will help the investigator to give a correct assessment of the testimony of a minor and to formulate questions in terms of pedagogy and psychology.