History Taking in Sexual Abuse: Anatomical Dolls

A common tactic used by defense attorneys of alleged perpetrators of child sexual abuse is the attempt to discredit, in various ways, the assessment of the specialist who applied the abuse investigation protocol during the forensic interview in which the child disclosed their abuse. An argument commonly found in legal briefs is the challenging of the use of an anatomical doll. Thus, we may read in a legal brief that the expert witness in question "uses 'protocols', such as those with anatomical dolls, which are internationally criticized as very dangerous and conducive to the suggestibility of children". In another legal brief and/or expert (forensic) assessment on behalf of the alleged perpetrator, we read that "anatomical dolls tend to be abandoned in forensic psychiatry".

Neither of these two arguments is true. Regarding suggestibility, exactly the opposite is true of what is claimed by the attorneys and, often, the expert consultants of alleged perpetrators of sexual abuse. According to experts, the use of anatomical dolls reduces the likelihood of suggestibility in children. Furthermore, as we read in the Implementation Guide for the Protocol on the Investigation, Diagnosis and Management of Child Abuse - Neglect for Professionals, by the Institute of Child Health, "Anatomical dolls or dolls with anatomical details have been used by specialists in the diagnosis of sexual abuse for more than 30 years. In fact, a small number of studies comparing the effectiveness of anatomical dolls with other tools, such as regular dolls, show the superiority of anatomical dolls." The child psychiatrist, during the diagnostic interview for sexual abuse, may, provided they have the necessary training, use supplementary diagnostic tools such as anatomical dolls and/or anatomical diagrams.

Experts note the many advantages of using anatomical dolls:

• Reduces the likelihood of suggestibility, because it allows for the collection of more information through fewer questions
• Increases the validity of information, because it allows the child to show and verbalize, that is, to use two means of communication simultaneously
• Assists in memory recall, due to exposure to body parts (e.g. genitals)
• Allows for a more accurate description of events, especially in children with difficulties in verbal communication
• Helps clarify the child's statements
• Helps in the reenactment of the abuse experience, because the non-verbal description of events may cause less anxiety for the child

According to the guide, "research has shown that the use of anatomical dolls does not elicit information of a sexual nature from children who do not already have knowledge of sexual issues and behaviors. Nor does it mean that a child who has been sexually abused will necessarily engage in sexual activity".

International Literature
Mitchell Hamline Law Review, 2022, Anatomical Diagrams and Dolls: Guidelines for Their Usage in Forensic Interviews and Courts of Law, Victor Vieth, Link to the article