Anatomical dolls can help identify child sex abuse

ANN ARBOR—Despite years of controversy surrounding the use of anatomical dolls in possible sexual abuse situations, they can serve as a valuable resource when children are reluctant or unable to describe what happened to them, a University of Michigan researcher contends.

Based upon a review of research over the years, Kathleen Faller, a professor in the University of Michigan School of Social Work, said children are able to show and tell what happened to them by using the doll, which can aid the social worker or law enforcement official in learning more about an alleged incident. Using dolls and asking for demonstrations may also help the professional clarify concerns about programming or coaching, she said.

"The advantages of anatomical dolls appear to outweigh their disadvantages as interview aids," said Faller, whose research interests include interview techniques for possible sexual abuse, decision-making in child sexual abuse and understanding different subcategories of sexual abuse.

The American Psychological Association and the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children have said these dolls
Some critics contend that using the anatomical dolls can mislead a child who is describing what happened. They have cautioned that the dolls may elicit play or fantasy, rather than demonstrations of actual events.

"This is not surprising, since children’s prior experience with dolls has been in play activities," Faller said. But the benefits outweigh the risks of a false report, Faller concluded.

The recent issue of Journal of Child Sexual Abuse published Faller’s review of the research. View here

More more information on Faller, visit: http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/public/experts/ExpDisplay.php?ExpID=234