The problem of repeated victimization of children in the criminal process: The need for special interrogation procedures

In criminal proceedings, children who appear as victims or witnesses often experience secondary victimization, meaning they suffer further trauma not from the crime itself, but from the response of authorities during the legal process. For instance, a child may undergo renewed psychological stress when compelled to recall the traumatic event while giving testimony or upon being confronted with the accused in person. Repeated interrogations, face-to-face confrontations, and court appearances can inflict additional emotional harm on a minor. The study aims to substantiate the need for implementing special interrogation procedures for child victims in order to prevent their secondary victimization. The research employs a comprehensive approach, including analysis of national criminal procedure laws and international standards on child-friendly justice; a comparative review of practices for interviewing child victims across different jurisdictions; and synthesis of psychological and criminological findings on the impact of criminal proceedings on a child’s psyche. General scientific methods and special methods were used. The special interrogation procedures proposed (creating a child-friendly environment, limiting the number of interviews, videorecording testimonies, etc.) can be implemented in investigative and judicial practice to safeguard the mental health of child victims. Applying these recommendations will help reduce the traumatic impact of criminal proceedings on minors, improve the reliability of their testimony, and ensure compliance with international child-friendly justice standards.

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