When an allegation of sexual abuse is screened in by
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) for investigation, they
must report the sexual allegations to the District Attorney's (DA) Office.
When sexual abuse occurs, the victim may get interviewed numerous times and be forced to repeatedly relive the trauma. The Sexual Abuse Intervention Network (SAIN) intends to reduce the number of interviews the child is faced with. The SAIN eliminates multiple separate interviews. The team members involved in a SAIN interview include:
During a SAIN interview, the forensic interviewer conducts the interview of the child behind a one-way mirror room. The interviewer of the child will often have an ear piece in his/her ear to hear questions from the team observing the interview from behind the one-way mirror. The team can see into the room with the interviewer and the child, but the interviewer and the child cannot see out of the room hence the one-way mirror. Parents/guardians are NOT allowed to be present in the room or watch the SAIN interview. Following the interview, team members meet to discuss the next steps. These next steps include the investigation, possible prosecution, the need for any victim advocacy, any necessary medical follow-up, and mental health referrals. The child and family are provided with victim services and support. |
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