ABSTRACT
The role of the police in the UK has recently been explicitly adopted to ensure that practice becomes more victim centred. The research concludes that despite the considerable efforts and dedication demonstrated by Police Child Protection Officers, the investigative system appeared to be effectively failing many children and young people who are victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by someone known to them. Children found nine aspects of the system particularly upsetting, with the impact of waiting for court coming fourth. The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 introduced a series of 'special measures' to help children to give best evidence in the UK. Children's Advocacy Centers use a 'multi-disciplinary team interviews' method to avoid cross-examination of abused children. The Zebra Child Protection Centre in Edmonton was set up in 2002 and is the only programme in Canada which is associated with the National Children's Alliance.
