Developing forensic statement analysis standards to fight CAE: A victim centered approach

2026-07-22

The projects main objective, through its activities and results, is to specifically establish a coordinated contribution to law enforcement with a forensic statement based analytical tool (FSA) and broadly to remedy the problematic of secondary victimization of child victims of sexual abuse and exploitation (CAE), a field of police procedure which has not yet been addressed in more detail. Detecting, investigating and preserving evidence of child abuse is a discouraging undertaking, especially in the light of recent studies which refer to experts who are reporting a disquieting lack or absence of hard evidence. This means, that material evidence cannot be relied on as they are not sufficiently applicable. In order to fulfill these expectations, an approach has to be built upon victim's full engagement. By altering the approach in its initial phase, we can minimize the risks. Implementing FSA into process at its very beginning would represent the victims' need to disclose tragic content only once at his first encounter with the authorities. To establish the veracity of his allegations no further interview would be necessary. All with the same goal of protecting the victim but still gather the relevant information and evidence without exposing a child to unnecessary risks. With the development of FSA standards adjusted to subjected forms of crime, our aim is to empower a victim-centered approach wherein the benefit of the most vulnerable would be the main focus.

Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia

2026-02-01