This summary guide explains how police officers involved in criminal investigations into the sexual abuse of a child can centre the child’s needs when arresting a suspect or inviting them for interview, and when informing the child about this.
It is also relevant to social workers and other professionals involved with the child, to help them understand what this stage of the criminal justice process involves and how they can contribute to protecting and supporting the child at this time.
This guide covers situations where a suspect is arrested or invited for interview during an investigation that has already started. Our guide Police log the concerns and take initial actions outlines the situation where a suspect is arrested during an immediate safety visit at the start of an investigation.
What happens at this point?
During a criminal investigation into the suspected sexual abuse of a child, the police may decide to arrest a suspect or suspects if:
- they believe a crime has been committed
- the arrest is necessary, justified and proportionate, balancing the needs for public safety with the suspect’s rights
- less intrusive means to achieve the same objectives are not available.
The police may invite the suspect for interview as a voluntary attendee if there is not an imminent safeguarding risk and they are not thought to have been involved in any other offences.
How may the child be feeling?
When a criminal investigation is under way, the child may be worried about other people’s reactions. If they are concerned about bringing ‘shame on their family or community’, for example, they may fear that someone will see the suspect being arrested. And if the suspect is another child, the abused child may fear that their friends or classmates will blame or isolate them for the arrest.
Once the suspect has been arrested, the child may feel a mixture of relief and anxiety about what will happen next.
If the suspect has been invited for interview but not arrested, the child may wonder whether this means the police don’t really believe the abuse has happened. It is important that you explain this is not the case.
If the child does not believe they have been sexually abused (for example, because they believe they are or were in a ‘relationship’ with the suspect), they are likely to be confused, resentful, and angry. They will need help to make sense of your concern for them and why the investigation is happening.
How can the police best help the child?
There are many ways to help the child and minimise their distress at this time:
- If you are arresting the suspect, be discreet about when and where you will do it.
- Communicate with the family about what is happening, why it is happening and how the investigation will progress, and give regular updates. Make sure they have realistic expectations of the length of time that an investigation and prosecution can take.
- If the suspect has been arrested but is not going to be held in custody, take action to ensure the child’s safety.
- Consider whether to make a referral to an independent sexual violence adviser (ISVA) or a child and young person’s sexual violence advocate (CYPSVA).
- Consider whether the child needs or is ready for therapeutic support. Remember that the Crown Prosecution Service says children can receive emotional support and therapy during a police investigation.
External links
- Authorised Professional Practice: Response, arrest and detention [College of Policing]
- Independent sexual violence adviser: Statutory guidance [Ministry of Justice]
- Find an ISVA [The Survivors Trust]
- Prosecution guidance: Pre-trial therapy [Crown Prosecution Service]