The Views of Health Professionals Who Conduct Forensic Interviews With Child Victims Of Sexual Abuse on The Forensic Interview Process: The Case of Turkiye: A Qualitative Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Views of Health Professionals Conducting Forensic Interviews with Child Victims of Sexual Abuse on The Interview Process: A Case Study ın Türkiye: A Qualitative StudyObjective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the forensic process experiences from the perspective of healthcare professionals conducting forensic interviews with child victims of sexual abuse.Methods: In this qualitative study, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 35 forensic interviewees, five from each of the seven regions in Turkey, using WhatsApp mobile application. interviews continued until data saturation was reached. All interviews were audio recorded and then transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to evaluate the data and the study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ)Results: In the analysis of the study, five categories (reflections on the training received to become a forensic interviewer; factors that prevent or reduce the effectiveness, and health of the forensic interview process; reflections on the follow-up, effectiveness and adequacy of the measures and counseling decisions proposed after the interview; reflections on psychiatric rehabilitation by forensic interviewers; and the effects of being a forensic interviewer on mental health) and fourteen themes (content, time, training material, skill, child, family, health professionals, management-prosecutor, precaution, counseling, practitioner, time and physical conditions, direct, and indirect) were identified.Conclusion: The findings revealed significant challenges in the forensic interview process, primarily stemming from a lack of cooperation and coordinationKey Words: Child; forensic interview; sexual abuse; qualitative study, Turkey
Authors: Nurten Gülsüm Bayrak, Sevda Uzun, Çiçek Ediz
Institutions: Giresun University, Gümüşhane University, Cukurova University
Language: Turkish
Topic: Child Abuse and Trauma
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7202355558