Vol. 8, No. 1
December 2002

Goals Shared by Professionals Involved in Forensic Interviewing

Although they differ on their particular short-term objectives, all the various disciplines involved in forensic interviewing hope to:

Stop future abuse by the same perpetrator of a child who is identified as a victim
Intervene with the child and family to reduce the probability of re-victimization of the child by future perpetrators
Prevent “secondary victimization” of the child by the system
Reduce chances the perpetrator will victimize other children in the future
Promote healthy ways for families to interact and healthy ways for children to form relationships with others
Prevent other future behavioral/emotional/lifestyle problems associated with a child sexual abuse history, such as substance abuse, joining in exploitative adult relationships, criminal lifestyles, mental health problems, raising children who become abused, etc.

These overall goals could be expressed in even simpler terms: all agencies involved in forensic interviews wish to foster healthier and safer relationships for children and to prevent further exploitation and harm.

Adapted from Holmes, C. C. (2001). The overall goals of forensic intervention steps. University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education. Online <http://childabuse.gactr.uga.edu/chronological/holmes/overallgoals_1.phtml>.