Evidential issues in child sexual abuse cases in the Family Court

Emma Williamson and Julie Moseley, St Philips Chambers

This article aims to consider the evidential issues in cases involving child sexual abuse allegations. This includes the implications of cases involving allegations of child sexual abuse which have examples of failures to adhere to the guidance by professionals- social workers, teachers, police- and in some cases apparent ignorance of any of the guidance and the implications of breaches of ABE guidance. Where evidence is available but subject to breaches of guidelines, it will be admissible but the weight attached must be considered carefully and the guidance from recent case law is considered. Consideration is also given to the correct approach to allegations of coaching or influencing children to make false allegations.

The full article will be published in the January issue of Family Law. 

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Read the full article here.