End Judiciary Testimony Trauma of Sexually Abused Children testifying in court against their abuser.  

A child's abuser got away with sexual abuse of a 6 year old and was given probation because we as parents chose not to re-traumatize the child again by having them testify in a courtroom with the abuser. Many other parents of sexually abused children make this heart wrenching decision and hope and pray for justice. This petition is to enact a Bill to Limit Child Trauma In Court. It will guarantee that the evidence of children interviewed on tape or by a forensic investigator will be admissible in court if the prosecutor, therapist and parents feel this is the best way for a child to testify without re-traumatizing the child. Video evidence …”from children after child witnesses were either unwilling or unable to testify. This is a means for facilitating the fair receipt of children’s evidence. Courts will hold that defendants have forfeited their confrontation rights if they exploited a child’s vulnerabilities such that they could reasonably anticipate that the child would be unavailable to testify. Exploitation includes choosing victims on the basis of their filial dependency, their vulnerability, or their immaturity, as well as taking actions that create or accentuate those vulnerabilities.”

”Addressing 2 questions pertaining to the mental health needs of child victims: (1) To what extent are children traumatized by their involvement in the justice system, and (2) What interventions are effective in reducing children’s trauma?.” “ Children’s testimonies can be presented to the court in many different formats, for example, live, videotapes, closed-circuit television (CCTV) or transcripts.” “Prosecution of crimes involving child victims and witnesses is particularly difficult because of the age of the children involved. Facing the alleged offender in court and the experience itself of testifying in an open court with dozens of onlookers are acutely difficult. The effect on children may be traumatic, with the potential to produce substantial psychological and emotional harm.”

Children who suffer from traumatic stress often have these types of symptoms when reminded in some way of the traumatic event. Although many of us may experience reactions to stress from time to time, when a child is experiencing traumatic stress, these reactions interfere with the child’s daily life and ability to function and interact with others. At no age are children immune to the effects of traumatic experiences. Even infants and toddlers can experience traumatic stress. The way that traumatic stress manifests will vary from child to child and will depend on the child’s age and developmental level.

 (b) Without treatment, repeated childhood exposure to traumatic events can affect the brain and nervous system and increase health-risk behaviors (e.g., smoking, eating disorders, substance use, and high-risk activities). Research shows that child trauma survivors can be more likely to have long-term health problems (e.g., diabetes and heart disease) or to die at an earlier age. Traumatic stress can also lead to increased use of health and mental health services and increased involvement with the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Adult survivors of traumatic events may also have difficulty in establishing fulfilling relationships and maintaining employment.” https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/about-child-trauma