Die maatskaplike werker as deskundige getuie in hofondersoeke na seksuele molestering van die kind

Abstract

The role the social worker plays as an expert witness has in recent times been emphasized, accentuating the problem of the sexually abused child. This is a meaningful development, giving the social worker the opportunity to let justice prevail and protect the child's interests. The purpose of this research was to establish the role the professional social worker could play as an expert witness in court cases regarding sexually abused children. To reach this goal, the research consisted of a literature study and an empirical survey. In the first literature chapter, the study focussed on the social worker as an expert witness in court, describing the general requirements expected from expert witnesses, especially the social worker. The next chapter describes the social worker's investigation of the sexually abused child and the skills required of the social worker. The last literature chapter focusses on the knowledge of court and court procedures the social worker requires to fulfill the role of an expert witness professionally. The empirical study consisted of a survey conducted on social worker' s expectations of the role the expert witness should play. The information required for this survey was collated from postal questionnaires and processed by computer. The conclusion was that social workers were not entirely familiar with the role of the expert witness. Some were uncertain whether they played a successful role during court cases ragarding sexually abused children. A number indicated that the generic knowledge of social work was sufficient to be called upon as an expert witness. A larger percentage however realised that the knowledge of court and court procedures and of the sexually abused child, was of great importance in the role of the expert witness. Social workers also indicated the significance of co-operation with other professional and non-professional groups. Certain recommendations regarding these conclusions were made. The most important being, that social workers be made aware of the importance of the role as expert witnessess they play and the necessity of the correct training and education. Furthermore, the continual development of the social workers' credability in court must be emphasized.