Why do children remain silent about sexual abuse?
This paper aims to present the most common reasons why child victims of sexual abuse do not choose to testify about their experience in criminal proceedings. The process of disclosing sexual abuse and the reactions of family members and professionals in various institutions can be a source...
| Main Authors: | , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Victimology Society of Serbia and Prometej-Beograd
2020-01-01
|
| Series: | Temida |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/1450-6637/2020/1450-66372003353T.pdf |
| Summary: | This paper aims to present the most common reasons why child victims of
sexual abuse do not choose to testify about their experience in criminal
proceedings. The process of disclosing sexual abuse and the reactions of
family members and professionals in various institutions can be a source of
support and help in recovery for the child, but also a source of secondary
victimization. Based on that, the paper analyzes to what extent the Serbian
legislative framework is harmonized with international standards regarding
the protection of child victims from secondary victimization. It points out
to the application of legal solutions on the protection of child victims
during criminal proceedings through the Units for Supporting Child Victims
and Witnesses as an example of the best practice in supporting and
protecting child victims and witnesses from secondary victimization. Special
attention is paid to the prevalence of sexual abuse of children, while the
focus is on the reasons why children are not ready to speak publicly about
sexual abuse, as well as the feelings that arise when disclosure occurs. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1450-6637 2406-0941 |