The Effectiveness of Forensic Interview Procedures in Child Sexual Abuse Cases: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a globally recognized public health problem with severe consequences for victims, families, and society. In such cases, victims interact frequently with the justice system, often serving as the primary witnesses to the crime and contributing significantly to case outcomes. Consequently, forensic interviews are essential in criminal investigations, providing invaluable information. However, questions remain regarding the most effective procedure for conducting forensic interviews with CSA victims. This systematic review analyzes the effectiveness of forensic interview procedures used with CSA victims. Following PRISMA guidelines, articles were identified through manual reference checks and searches in four electronic databases, yielding 93 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-seven distinct forensic interview procedures were identified, with the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) investigative interview protocol being the most extensively studied. Procedures adhering to standardized protocols demonstrated greater use of recommended best practices than those that did not follow any guidelines. The NICHD protocol, particularly its revised version, showed the strongest evidence of efficacy, with interviewers employing more open-ended questions and fewer suggestive prompts. This approach resulted in more detailed and reliable disclosures from children. This review highlights the critical role of standardized protocols in enhancing the quality and reliability of child testimony while avoiding unnecessary or prolonged involvement in the justice system. The NICHD protocol, especially its revised version, is strongly recommended for global adoption. Additional best practices are also discussed to inform policies and practices to enhance forensic interviews with CSA victims.