1. Crimes Against Children: Child Abuse Chapter 13: and Child Fatalities
Criminal Justice 2011
Chapter 13:
Crimes Against
Children: Child Abuse
and Child Fatalities
Criminal Investigation The Art and the Science by Michael D. Lyman Copyright 2011

2. CHAPTER SUMMARY
13.1 Describe the roles and distinctions between the pedophile and the child
molester.
13.2 Understand the problem of child abuse and the investigator’s response to the problem.
13.3 Identify various techniques of child molestation investigations.
13.4 Discuss the role of the medical profession in cases involving sexual
misconduct with children.
13.5 Identify interview techniques for child victims of sexual misconduct.
13.6 Understand problems associated with placing children on the witness stand in criminal trials.

3. Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
13.1
Describe the roles and distinctions between the pedophile and the child molester.

4. The Pedophile and the Child Molester.
13.1
The Pedophile and the Child Molester.
Sexual
Misconduct
Pedophilia - sexual
attraction to children.
Child molester or child rapist.

5. Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
13.2
Understand the problem of child abuse and the investigator’s response to the problem.

6. Crimes Against Children
13.2
Crimes Against Children
The Three Types of Crime
Sexual crimes
Physical abuse
Neglect
Lecture Notes:
Physical abuse includes battered child syndrome, shaken baby syndrome, and Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy.
Neglect legally only includes the denial or lack of physical care to the child for reasons other than poverty.
Sexual crimes include all sexual abuse and statutory rape where the child, (any child under the age of 18) consents to sexual contact or intercourse but statutorily is unable to give consent due to age.

7. Crimes Against Children
13.2
Crimes Against Children
Child Abuse Victimization Rates by Age
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Lecture Notes:
Note the largest group is the youngest, most vulnerable, and least communicative.

8. Crimes Against Children
13.2
Crimes Against Children
Child Abuse Victimization Rates by Race
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Lecture Notes:
Abuse is prevalent in all groups.

9. Crimes Against Children
13.2
Crimes Against Children
896,000 children were the victims neglect or abuse
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Lecture Notes:
This photo shows a child’s feet that were forced against a heater by a parent.

10. Crimes Against Children
13.2
Crimes Against Children
40% of child victims were maltreated solely by their mothers
19% of child victims were maltreated solely by their fathers
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Lecture Notes:
This photo shows a child’s feet that were forced against a heater by a parent.

11. Crimes Against Children
13.2
Crimes Against Children
In 2002, 1400 children died due to abuse or neglect
Add picture of child
Coffin
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Lecture Notes:
This photo shows a child’s feet that were forced against a heater by a parent.

12. Crimes Against Children Investigations
13.2
Crimes Against Children Investigations
Investigator or
Patrol
Collect Evidence
Interview Victim
Lecture Notes:
These investigations are usually conducted by a specialized investigator in larger jurisdictions.
Some jurisdictions involve social services early in the investigation as part of the protocol to avoid duplication of child interviews and to resolve any needs early.
Interview Witness(es)

13. Crimes Against Children Investigations
13.2
Crimes Against Children Investigations
Follow-up
Investigation
Obtain medical records/opinions
Coordinate with social services and prosecutor
Lecture Notes:
Medial records can be very telling – showing battered child syndrome and a thorough medical exam may reveal injuries in varies stages of healing .
Talk to doctors regarding the nature of the injuries – get opinion regarding the injuries being accidental or intentional. Get expert opinion if necessary.
Always interview the suspect last.
Interview suspect(s)

14. Identify various techniques of child molestation investigations.
Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
13.3
Identify various techniques of child molestation investigations.

15. The Investigative Techniques
13.3
The Investigative Techniques
Using anatomically correct dolls
Recording interviews
Picture drawing interviews – creates a great court exhibit!
Finding other victims to cooberate victim

16. Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
13.4
Discuss the role of the medical profession in cases involving sexual misconduct with children.

17. the Role of the Medical Profession
13.4
the Role of the Medical Profession
Obtain a detailed report for evidence
Determine medically, if sexual activity has taken place (hymen in tact?)
Gather DNA and other forensic evidence (such as semen or pubic hair)
Search for any non-accidental injuries

18. Identify interview techniques for child victims of sexual misconduct.
Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
13.5
Identify interview techniques for child victims of sexual misconduct.

19. Interviewing Children
13.5
Interviewing Children
Must be non-leading and non-suggestive
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Lecture Notes:
Children are highly suggestive
It’s a good idea to video record the interview
The interview may be your BEST evidence to prove physical or sexual abuse takes place so great care should be taken to do it properly and get it recorded.

20. Interviewing Children
13.5
Interviewing Children
Forensic
Interviews
Body language must remain neutral
Alternative explanation for a child’s statements explored
Lecture Notes:
The forensic interview has carefully controlled so that they are legally defensible.
It’s always best to record the interview.
Always ask open-ended questions if possible.
Having the child draw pictures is a good technique and creates court exhibits created by the child of what happened.
Document the interview for court scrutiny

21. Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
13.6
Understand problems associated with placing children on the witness stand in criminal trials.

22. 13.6 Children as Witnesses Statements can be challenged in court
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One of the most compelling reasons children are such formidable victims is the fact that they may be considered incompetent witnesses in the courtroom.
Indeed, many such cases rely heavily on testimony from child victims.

23. 10.7 Factors Children as Witnesses Age, intelligence, and
sense of moral and legal responsibility.
Possesses the capacity to
observe the events, recollect and
communicate them
These are the factors judges take into consideration to allow a child to testify.
Understands questions and
can answer intelligently with an
understanding of the duty to
speak the truth

24. CHAPTER REVIEW
13.1 Describe the roles and distinctions between the pedophile and the child
molester.
13.2 Understand the problem of child abuse and the investigator’s response to the problem.
13.3 Identify various techniques of child molestation investigations.
13.4 Discuss the role of the medical profession in cases involving sexual
misconduct with children.
13.5 Identify interview techniques for child victims of sexual misconduct.
13.6 Understand problems associated with placing children on the witness stand in criminal trials.
CLASS ACTIVITY:
Divide the class into groups of 2 or 3 and assign one of these objectives to each group of students and present to the entire class.