000			03798nab a22003737a 4500
999			_c6772 _d6772
005			20250625151532.0
008			200806s2017 -nz||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d
040			_aAFVC
100			_aRandell, Isabel _93524
245			_aYoung complainant witnesses in New Zealand : _cIsabel Randell _bexperiences and innovations
246			_aA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctorate of Clinical Psychology, The University of Auckland
260			_c2017
300			_aelectronic document (173 pages) ; PDF file
500			_aPhD Thesis, University of Auckland
520			_aMost young witnesses in New Zealand are complainants in trials for offences of a sexual nature. For effective provision of justice it is important that young witnesses are involved in criminal trials, yet participation may be detrimental to their wellbeing and presents challenges for gaining their full and accurate evidence. This research included two related projects: one aimed to better understand the experiences of young complainant witnesses and their families, and the other evaluated recent innovations with regard to trials involving young witnesses at the Whangarei District Court. Both studies were qualitative in nature and used thematic analysis to analyse data. Study One involved interviews with four young complainant witnesses and ten parents of young complainant witnesses. Nine themes were identified: pre-trial delay makes everything worse; uncertainty is difficult and being prepared is important; cross-examination is stressful; having a voice is a positive aspect of the trial; the possibility of seeing the defendant is stressful; for parents, putting on a brave face and being a supporter is challenging; young witnesses feel exposed by the court process and family members feel exposed to details of the offending; support is critical; and families place importance on the verdict and sentencing. The focus of Study Two was the Whangarei Young Witness Pilot Protocol which was implemented by judges in the Whangarei region in late 2014 with aims of decreasing the negative impact of the court process for young witnesses and enhancing the quality of evidence that they provide. Individual and group interviews were conducted with 29 practitioners involved in court trials with young complainant witnesses including judges, lawyers, police, victim advisors and court support staff. The majority of participants believed that the protocol had valid intentions and was beneficial for young witness wellbeing and evidence. Resistance to the protocol was largely from defence lawyers who expressed concern that cross-examination would be restricted. Participants expressed a need for flexibility, clarity, and education concerning the protocol in order for it to function more effectively. All participants identified a need to address pre-trial delay, consistent with the concerns of young witnesses and their parents. The findings indicate that there is positive shift towards better protection of young witnesses in New Zealand, but that there is still much to be done. (Author's abstract). Record #6772
650			_aCHILDREN _9127
650		4	_aCAREGIVERS _999
650		4	_aCHILD SEXUAL ABUSE _9121
650			_aCOURTS _9162
650			_aCRIMINAL JUSTICE _9167
650			_aEVIDENCE _9237
650			_aLAW REFORM _9338
650			_aPARENTS _9430
650		4	_aSEXUAL VIOLENCE _9531
650		4	_aSUPPORT SERVICES _9591
650			_aTHESES _9606
650		0	_aVICTIMS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE _96716
650			_aYOUNG PEOPLE _9660
651		4	_aNEW ZEALAND _92588
651			_aWHANGĀREI _92839
856			_uhttp://hdl.handle.net/2292/34764
856			_uhttps://www.lawfoundation.org.nz/?p=11181 _yMedia release
942			_2ddc _cTHESIS