Main Publications - Institute for Child Witness Research and Training

The JUDICIAL OFFICER AND THE CHILD WITNESS

The Judicial Officer and the Child WitnessBy
Karen Müller
With contributions by Karen Hollely and Annette van der Merwe

It is widely accepted that testifying in court creates particular difficulties for children.  Where children are the victims of an alleged crime, these difficulties become even more pronounced.  In order for the judicial officer to make an informed decision, it is vital that there be some understanding of the child’s plight.  This book is intended to provide judicial officers with the necessary information to assist them with the task of presiding over cases involving child witness testimony.  Reference to international and national law and research, and an emphasis on a multi-disciplinary approach, provide the judicial officer with a holistic view of sexual offence cases.  The combined experience and expertise of the author and contributors to this handbook ensures that the information is both practical and comprehensive.

PROSECUTING THE CHILD SEX OFFENDER

Prosecuting The Chld Sex OffenderBy
Karen Müller
With contributions by Karen Hollely and Annette van der Merwe

Prosecuting sexual offence crimes against children is becoming a common practice in South African courts with the increase in reported disclosures of abuse and victimisation.

This book is intended to provide sexual offence prosecutors with the information needed to present these cases in court effectively.  Reference to international and national research, and an emphasis on a multi-disciplinary approach, provide the reader with an holistic view of sexual offence prosecution.

The combined experience and expertise of the author and contributors to this handbook ensures that the information is practical and comprehensive.

INTRODUCING THE CHILD WITNESS

Introducing The Child Witness by
Karen Müller and Karen Hollely

This book is a handbook for all practitioners working with children who have to testify in court.  The information provides an holistic approach to the child witness.  Practical examples and up-to-date international and national research provide a comprehensive framework in terms of which practitioners can understand and apply the principles affecting child witness testimony.  The book also highlights the importance of an interdisciplinary focus when working with child witnesses.

 

 

PREPARING CHILDREN FOR COURT

(A HANDBOOK FOR PRACTITIONERS)
by Karen Müller

The preparation of child witnesses for court has become an important educational and sensitisation tool that is used to assist children to give more effective testimony in court and achieve positive post-trial adjustment.  This handbook is aimed at those practitioners, who work with child witnesses, to provide them with the necessary skills to present court preparation programmes.  The handbook includes information about the topics that should be covered in a preparation programme as well as techniques that will help the practitioner understand children better.