ABSTRACT
In the past few decades, legal and attitudinal changes have transformed the experience of child witnesses. A child who discloses abuse will be interviewed and the outcome of the interview will influence whether an investigation will ensue and the child will testify in court. A child may undergo an inquiry to determine competency to testify. In court, the credibility of this evidence will be evaluated by the trier-of-fact and the reliability of the evidence will often be tested through cross-examination. Testimonial supports may be available to alleviate the anxiety of testifying and to encourage children to provide detailed and accurate evidence.
