1. Challenges of Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) In Child Sexual Abuse Cases How young is too Young? Ann Stuart MBE Independent Safeguarding Consultant and Trainer

2. Very young children Competence of Child Secrets
Assessment required either by intermediary or interviewer
What can be achieved? - Chardonais

3. The older child Competence Fear Loyalty to perpetrator
More attuned to consequences of telling
Sense of embarrassment
Self blame / feeling responsible for the abuse
They have been groomed not to tell
Worried about not being believed
External emotional stressors
Children ‘testing’ the officer or S/W if they can be trusted

4. Reality
Children, as young as 2 years one month, can give evidence about their experiences when appropriately supported and questioned by an appropriately trained and competent adult
4 year old who witnessed their sister being raped by their father
3 year old witnessed her mother being murdered by mothers boyfriend