Development of a training programme for state prosecutors to address revictimisation of the sexually abused child during forensic procedures

Abstract

In this paper the researchers developed a training programme for state prosecutors working with sexually abused children during court procedures. The study commenced with a literature study focusing on: (a) the person-centred approach as a scientific foundation for the study, (b) the long-term effects of sexual abuse, and c) the revictimization of sexually abused children during forensic procedures. The empirical study was a combined qualitative-quantitative study. The researchers started with the qualitative study, where prosecutors dealing with sexual abuse cases were interviewed to determine their training needs in this field of service delivery. After training needs were determined, a training programme was compiled. This training programme formed part of the quantitative study and was implemented during a training session for prosecutors at the Justice College in Pretoria. The programme was evaluated using pre- and post-test questionnaires.