Testimony taking in cases of child sexual abuse (CSA): A systematic review

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a serious global problem that impacts millions of children. The psychology of memory and testimony have recognized distortions in recall, but has also developed strategies to mitigate these distortions in dealing with the testimonies of abused children. This study focuses on the contributions of these psychological branches to obtaining reliable testimony in cases of child sexual violence. After a two-decade systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines, with 61 research studies analyzed, the results were categorized into interview procedures, involved parties and child characteristics. It was found that the accounts of children, even at pre-school age, can be coherent and detailed if properly collected.