Child Abuse: Improving Investigation & Prosecution Survey

Abstract

This survey was developed to gather information on investigative, administrative, and judicial processes related to child abuse and neglect, including child sexual abuse/exploitation, in Virginia. The study focused on three areas related to child abuse: laws, policies/procedures, and training. Specifically, we are interested in the processes that directly impacts child victims and how these processes may minimize or worsen their trauma. Surveys were sent to those involved with organizations that serve child victims in the Commonwealth of Virginia such as advocates, child protective service employees, judges, law enforcement officers, and medical professionals. The aim of this study was to identify needs and improve the investigation and prosecution of cases of child abuse. (Author Abstract)