Proving child sexual abuse is challenging due to the lack of physical evidence, making a child’s disclosures the most compelling evidence. However, these disclosures are often dismissed for reasons unsupported by modern science, such as inconsistencies in the child's statements or claims of coaching. Additionally, a child may provide details that appear to contradict the timeline, like the accused having an alibi, or include fantastical elements, such as being rescued by a dog. A child may also later recant their statement. These issues can lead Child Protective Services (CPS) investigators to dismiss the abuse, which in turn affects law enforcement decisions and custody rulings. It's crucial to understand the science behind abuse, disclosures, and forensic interviews to properly assess cases. This presentation will explore these scientific aspects and provide real-world examples where abuse was dismissed despite evidence indicating otherwise.
