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Experience of the Institute |
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The Institute for Child Witness Research and Training was established in 1998 as a unique organization that aims to conduct research and training in the specialised field of child witnesses. The members of the Institute have experience in conducting research projects, acting as an advisory centre, monitoring the child witness’s experience in the criminal justice system, and participating in legislative development and reform policies focusing on child witness issues. The Institute operates in partnership with governmental organizations, such as, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority and the Department of Social Development, and non-governmental organizations across Southern Africa and internationally. |
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How is the Institute Unique? |
 The Institute is the only research and training organization dedicated to the specialisation of child witness issues. It is the only advisory body that, as its core business, provides information and resources on the topic of child witnesses to magistrates, prosecutors, police, social workers, forensic social workers, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, government departments and funding organizations. It is also the only organization that develops and offers specialised training courses to these role-players on the topic of child witnesses. The Institute also conducts specialised research projects funded by associated donor organizations on all areas affecting child witnesses and the role-players working in this area of specialisation. |
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The Institute’s Philosophy |
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It is the philosophy of the Institute that, by specializing the role-players involved with child witnesses through education and training and by the provision of advice, support, research and resources, the position of the child witness in the criminal justice system will improve, thereby increasing the conviction rate in cases of child abuse. |
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How the Institute Functions |
The Institute is registered as a non-profit trust (no. IT 760/2004) and managed by a board of trustees.
The Institute’s functions are carried out by the following members:
- the Director who is responsible for the overall running of the Institute;
- the General Manager who is responsible for the implementation of research and training projects and the coordination of the advisory function of the Institute;
- the Financial Manager who is responsible for the finances involved in the running of the Institute;
- the Administration Officer who is responsible for the general administration of the Institute; and
- in the conducting of research and training projects, use is made of independent consultants and research assistants.
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Geographical Areas of Operation |
The Institute operates on a national and international level in the area of child witness work. It offers these specialised services to all role-players across South Africa, Africa and to international organizations.
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What Does the Institute Do? |
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The core business of the Institute is the building of capacity through the provision of information, advice, general research and training to all role-players involved with child witnesses. The Institute also provides monitoring of best practice in the area of child witness work. These functions are conducted at no cost to the role-players. In addition, the Institute conducts specialised training and research contracted and funded by governmental and non-governmental organizations. |
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Impact of Institute’s Services |
The Institute’s services from both its core business function and its specific areas of focus result in the following outcomes:
- skills development;
- specialisation;
- paradigm shifting: role-players’ personal biases and myths can impact negatively on child witnesses;
- accurate evaluation of child witness testimony;
- improved investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases;
- increased convictions of child abuse offenders;
- decreased trauma experienced by child witnesses when they testify in court;
- empowerment of child witnesses through the research and development of programmes; and
- implementation of best practices in child witness cases.
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