Interviewing alleged victims with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities and autism: A field study of police‐investigated cases of physical and sexual abuse in a Norwegian national sample. Issue 10 (24th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Åker, T. H.; Johnson, M. S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of intellectual disability research. Volume 64:Issue 10(2020)
• Page Start: 782
• Page End: 792
• Publication Date: 2020-08-24
• Subjects: Autism -- Crime victims -- Intellectual disabilities -- Investigative interviews -- Physical and sexual abuse; Mental retardation -- Research -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.1111/jir.12771
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-2633

Abstract

Abstract: Background: People with intellectual disabilities (IDs) or autism are at great risk of being victims of physical and sexual abuse. This study uses transcriptions of real‐life investigative interviews to examine the interview techniques (e.g. question type) used in investigative interviews of these groups of alleged victims. Methods: A national sample of transcribed investigative interviews ( N = 96) of alleged victims with mild ID ( n = 48, age 5–70 years old), moderate ID ( n = 18, age 14–43 years old) and autism ( n = 16, age 5–50 years old) was analysed. Results: The study shows a preponderance of alleged sexual offences (70.7%) and reveals that open‐ended questions account for only 2.6% of the total number of questions asked. The interviewers relied heavily on yes/no (53.4%) and directive questions (32.2%). Suggestive questions (8.6%) were frequently used. Conclusions: The use of question type varied considerably within and across the diagnostic group. The study reveals the need for a more in‐depth analysis of variables that influence investigative interviews of people with cognitive impairments.