Investigation and Prosecution without the Need for Victim Cooperation

For a variety of reasons, children are the “perfect” victims of physical or sexual abuse. The unique characteristics and vulnerabilities of child victims make their cases some of the most important and difficult cases that are investigated and prosecuted. Children are often unable to tell about their abuse and therefore cases against their abusers must be built on circumstantial evidence. In this session, participants will learn the importance of using a multi-disciplinary team approach when investigating and prosecuting child physical and sexual abuse cases. Participants will learn how to effectively collect corroborating evidence, including physical evidence. This session will address how law enforcement, prosecutors, child protection attorneys, and medical personnel can work together to build and win circumstantial cases.