TY  - BOOK
AU  - McGregor, Kim
TI  - Children's voices: a study of children who have experienced statutory investigations into allegations of child sexual abuse
PY  - 1996///
KW  - FVC
KW  - ADOLESCENTS
KW  - CHILDREN
KW  - VOICES OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
KW  - INTERVENTION
KW  - JUSTICE
KW  - NEGLECT
KW  - SOCIAL SERVICES
KW  - STATISTICS
KW  - THESES
KW  - PREVENTION
KW  - CHILD ABUSE
KW  - CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
KW  - NEW ZEALAND
N1  - Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Education in Counselling, University of Auckland; nz
N2  - This study asked 5 girls, aged between 12 and 16 years, who made eight complaints of sexual abuse, to identify helpful and unhelpful aspects of interventions by social workers, medical practitioners, police, lawyers, psychologists and counsellors.  Initially an open ended questionnaire was used in a group setting; this was followed up by a semi-structured individual interview. The results showed that most of the girls found the intervention processes frightening at first; therefore having procedures explained to them was helpful. The girls expressed the wish that professionals talk directly to them rather than just their caregivers. The participants commented that making a statement to the authorities was difficult. Having to give details of the abuse to any professional brought unwelcome feelings back and they very much disliked feeling pushed to disclose information. Medical procedures were disliked because of the discomfort, the embarrassment and the feelings of vulnerability that were evoked. Some girls said they felt disbelieved by police, others complained of a lack of liaison. Unresolved police cases left girls feeling in a state of limbo. Many professionals, including lawyers, police and counsellors, were criticised for being insensitive and rejecting. Sensitive and supportive personnel were appreciated and valued by the girls. The study highlights the need for investigative personnel to be more available, highly trained, effectively coordinated, monitored and accountable than they have been. It is suggested a quality control system is needed. In addition, an urgent need for prevention education is recommended as a result of the finding that three of the five girls had been sexually abused by more than one offender. Discussion on the development of policy in New Zealand is included.--AUTHOR'S ABSTRACT
ER  -