Finding Truth in Child Abuse

As someone who is involved in the criminal justice segment of the child abuse community, I strongly agree with Summit’s position on the McMartin case as it relates to the therapeutic community. Aside from the issue of whether or not the defendants are guilty, a logical person should acknowledge that therapeutic interviews, as conducted in this case, have a different goal than those interviews conducted by the criminal justice system.

When therapists interview a child abuse victim they are looking to find the “secrets” and heal the child. The criminal justice system, in addition to protecting the child, is looking to put together a legal case and convict the suspect. Different goals require different techniques.

McMartin was a first of a kind case and misjudgments were made by all segments of the system. The important thing is not to assess blame, but to learn from our mistakes for the benefit of all.

MICHAEL HERTICA

Torrance