TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2021//
TI  - Law enforcement investigation of non-sexual child abuse: physical abuse, neglect and abusive head trauma
JO  - International journal of evidence and proof
A1  - Shaffer, Sarah
A1  - Compo, Nadja Schreiber
A1  - Klemfuss, J. Zoe
A1  - Peplak, Joanna
A1  - Mejias, Julio
SP  - 75
EP  - 92
VL  - 25
IS  - 2
N2  - This study examined the experiences of law enforcement in investigating physical abuse, neglect and Abusive Head Trauma (AHT). Law enforcement (N = 388) in the United States were surveyed regarding case characteristics, investigative strategy, interrogative approaches, frequency/content of perpetrator admissions and interagency interaction across cases of physical abuse, neglect and AHT. <br><br>RESULTS revealed that exposure rates matched those of national statistics. AHT perpetrators reported to admit guilt less often than suspects of physical abuse and neglect. Participants reported that suspects explain physical abuse and AHT by referencing poor self-control as a common cause. Lack of financial resources was commonly reported as the explanation for neglect. Potentially coercive interviewing techniques were reported across abuse types but were more frequent in cases of AHT. AHT cases were reportedly hardest to prove/prosecute partially due to conflicting medical diagnoses. Potential implications for law enforcement investigative (interviewing) policies and future research are discussed.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1365-7127
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13657127211002284
ID  - ref1
ER  -