Brisbane

his paper will address some of the practical issues facing investigators in the area of child abuse. These range from the initial investigation to the court hearing and concern not only police but other professionals working with child victims in the criminal justice system. Research on the extent of sexual abuse occurring in the general community, clearly indicates that only a small percentage of cases are being reported. Reliable estimates suggest that one in four girls and one in ten boys will be sexually molested by an adult at some time in their childhood. Up to 80 per cent of these children will know the offender and in 50 per cent of these cases the offender will be their natural or substitute father.1 Initial Investigations Initial investigations of complaints of abuse can often be hampered by the investigating officer's acceptance of various community myths. For example, until recently it was accepted that children fantasise about their sexual experiences. A further myth is that children are often provocative in relation to sexual activity and are eager participants. It is of vital importance that all professionals involved in the investigation of child abus