Can the Intermediary System Work for Child Victims of Sexual Abuse?

Abstract

In South Africa, an intermediary system is attempting to reduce the trauma and secondary abuse often experienced by child witnesses in court cases involving sexual abuse. By separating the child from the formal courtroom and allowing an intermediary to relay questions and answers to the child via closed circuit television, it was hoped that the stress of the experience for these children would be reduced while retaining the rights of the accused to cross-examine witnesses and to a fair trial. This article reports on a major urban court in South Africa where intermediaries (social workers) have refused to continue offering their services. It also reports on the challenges and difficulties associated with offering the services. The authors further argue that immediate action is required if the system is to be saved. They also suggest how to address the needs and concerns of the intermediaries, thus further developing and improving the existing system. The authors close with recommendations for systems in other locations that might be considering the use of intermediaries in similar situations.