In cases of child sexual abuse (CSA), there is often a lack of concrete evidence beyond the child’s report of abuse. As such, expert testimony is often needed to help the trier of fact better understand the nuances of CSA perpetration and victimization. This presentation will review how experts can be used in cases of CSA to educate judges and juries about sexual grooming, delayed disclosure, counterintuitive survivor behavior, characteristics of CSA, inconsistent reports, false allegations, and recantations.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the role of expert testimony in cases of childhood sexual abuse
Identify the areas in which expert testimony on CSA can be used to educate the court
Discuss strategies and tactics for providing evidence-based testimony in CSA cases
