2342 - PRE-TESTIMONIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT VICTIMS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN BRAZIL: PERSPECTIVES FOR THE JUSTICE SYSTEM

Session: P_D10S001 - Poster Session 1 - Division 10
AUTHORS:
Sani Ana (Fernando Pessoa University ~ Porto ~ Portugal) , Mota Gusmão Da Silva Ana Paula (Fernando Pessoa University ~ Porto ~ Portugal)
Abstract text:
This study investigates the pre-testimonial psychological assessment of children and adolescents who are victims of sexual violence, aiming to identify its limitations, potentialities, and ethical-technical implications within the Justice System. While the Special Testimony procedure represents a major advancement in preventing revictimization, challenges remain in detecting subtle signs of trauma, ensuring emotional safety, and safeguarding the psychological integrity and rights of victims. This qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory research is based on a Narrative Literature Review and semi-structured interviews with 20 professionals working in Vitória da Conquista, Brazil. The findings reveal that the current model of Special Testimony is not sufficiently sensitive to identify underlying psychological harm or distress. Participants emphasized the need to integrate validated forensic psychology tools, evidence-based psychological assessment techniques, and continuous professional training into the process. The study concludes that implementing a prior psychological assessment, conducted by qualified professionals and grounded in scientific and ethical standards, is crucial to ensuring emotional protection, preventing revictimization, and improving justice procedures for child and adolescent victims of sexual violence.