Sexual Assault Trials Handbook — Challenges facing child witnesses: special measures, witness assistance and intermediaries

N Westera et al, “Special measures in child sexual abuse cases: views of Australian criminal justice professionals” (2020) 32(2) Current Issues in Criminal Justice 224.

This study looked at criminal justice professionals’ views on how well special measures for child complainants of sexual abuse work in practice. Interviews were conducted with judges, prosecutors, defence counsel and witness assistance officers. Professionals indicated that special measures improve processes but also identified four concerns: a lack of skilled personnel; problems with technology and logistics; a lack of flexibility in recognising that each witness is unique; and possible negative effects of special measures on trial fairness.