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PREPARING YOUR CHILD TO TESTIFY
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Both children and adults may have many concerns as a court date
approaches. It is important to remember that the child may be the
only witness to what an offender has done. Therefore, it is also
important to make sure the child victim/witness is prepared to testify
in court. There are many steps that can be taken to prepare for
court as well as to reduce some of the stress the young witness may be
feeling.
1)
Do not prompt a child to discuss the offense repeatedly and do not go
over the child's testimony before a courtroom appearance. Children
often disclose details of an incident over time in their own time;
prompting may cause trauma by forcing a child to relive an event over or
by making them feel frustration that they cannot remember. Also, some topics are sensitive in nature and children,
like adults, may be
embarrassed to talk about them. Finally, a defense attorney may represent frequent discussions of the facts of the case as "witness
coaching."
2)
Your child's anxiety or fearfulness about court may be lessened by
knowing what to expect. That is why it is always important to
speak
with the prosecutor before court and arrange for a
courtroom
tour.
3)
If it is an issue, your child can be taught strategies to reduce anxiety
before and while testifying. Even young children can learn relaxation
exercises that can be as simple as playing with a favorite toy or
mentally rehearsing their testimony. Therapy can also be
beneficial. Your local Victim-Witness Assistance Program should be
able to provide an list of
community
resources that include local therapists.
4)
Advise your child that telling the truth about what happened is the most
important thing to do in court and right action to take. Victims of
sexual abuse or exploitation may be especially sensitive about telling
their story in court. Emphasize that he or she made the right choice in
disclosing the abuse and that you believe him or her. Let the child know
you are proud of them for taking such a big step and that regardless of
what happens your feelings for him or her will not change.
5)
Tell your child that it is okay to say he or she is confused or does not
know the answer. No one expects him or her to remember every detail
or know the answer to every question.
6)
Remember that children often look to adults to assess a situation and to
see how to react. Parents/caregivers should try to remember to
control their own emotions in front of the young victim. Many
individuals often find support through family, friends, or counselors.
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