Lara Lages Gava

Psicologia jurídica e tomada de decisão em situações envolvendo abuso sexual infantil

This paper presents a theoretical review on decision making in situations of alleged child sexual abuse. Mental health professionals around the world need to make decisions about the veracity of these claims, many being wrongly judged. This article presents sexual abuse as a global problem, highlights the relationship between psychology and justice, and approaches studies that demonstrate the influences of variables such as cognitive biases, prior beliefs and gender on the decisions taken by professionals who assess these cases. It is essential that professionals recognize these variables so that errors on these trials could be avoided and the quality of forensic psychological assessments could be increased. The need for experience and scientific knowledge is discussed as a possible contributor to the qualification of psychologists working in this area and researches on this subject within the Brazilian context are suggested.

Techniques Used in Forensic Psychological Examinations in Cases of Child and Adolescent Sexual Abuse

Currently, there is no standardized protocol for the evaluation of situations of sexual abuse. Thus, this study investigated the techniques used by psychologists in forensic examinations in cases of suspected child and adolescent sexual abuse in the context of the criminal investigation. Semi-structured interviews, which were qualitatively analyzed using the WebQDA software, were applied with twelve psychologists who work as expert witnesses in the Medical-Legal Institute of six Brazilian capitals. The results showed a diversity of actions taken in the forensic examination practice, as well as consensus and controversy regarding the use of psychological testing and the credibility assessment of the report. Flexibility in conducting the forensic examinations by the teams was also observed, with the techniques used adapted according to the needs. The importance of the diversity of techniques was highlighted, as these aim to assist the expert witness to come to reliable conclusions, as well as maintain the rigor and technical quality of the evaluation.

Percepciones de psicólogos sobre la pericia en los Institutos Médico-Legales de Brasil

Perceptions of psychologists on the forensic examination in the Forensic Medical Institutes in Brazil. Considering that forensic psychological examination is a recent professional activity, this exploratory study investigated the perception of psychologists about this practice in cases of suspected sexual abuse against children and adolescents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, in 2011, with 12 psychologists who were experts in Forensic Medical Institutes (FMIs) in the following capitals: Natal, Palmas, Brasilia, Goiânia, Florianopolis and Porto Alegre. The content analysis allowed for the identification of categories that included the relevance of forensic psychological examination, perceptions about FMIs and their places, technical expertise and support to the alleged victims and their families. Difficulties, progress and expectations for this area were also observed. The conclusions highlight the need to improve professional training, as well as the knowledge about this practice, which could lead to better recognition of the role played by the forensic psychologists.

Percepções de psicólogos sobre a perícia nos Institutos Médico-Legais do Brasil

Perceptions of psychologists on the forensic examination in the Forensic Medical Institutes in Brazil. Considering that forensic psychological examination is a recent professional activity, this exploratory study investigated the perception of psychologists about this practice in cases of suspected sexual abuse against children and adolescents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, in 2011, with 12 psychologists who were experts in Forensic Medical Institutes (FMIs) in the following capitals: Natal, Palmas, Brasilia, Goiânia, Florianopolis and Porto Alegre. The content analysis allowed for the identification of categories that included the relevance of forensic psychological examination, perceptions about FMIs and their places, technical expertise and support to the alleged victims and their families. Difficulties, progress and expectations for this area were also observed. The conclusions highlight the need to improve professional training, as well as the knowledge about this practice, which could lead to better recognition of the role played by the forensic psychologists.

Perceptions of psychologists on the forensic examination in the Forensic Medical Institutes in Brazil

Perceptions of psychologists on the forensic examination in the Forensic Medical Institutes in Brazil. Considering that forensic psychological examination is a recent professional activity, this exploratory study investigated the perception of psychologists about this practice in cases of suspected sexual abuse against children and adolescents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, in 2011, with 12 psychologists who were experts in Forensic Medical Institutes (FMIs) in the following capitals: Natal, Palmas, Brasilia, Goiânia, Florianopolis and Porto Alegre. The content analysis allowed for the identification of categories that included the relevance of forensic psychological examination, perceptions about FMIs and their places, technical expertise and support to the alleged victims and their families. Difficulties, progress and expectations for this area were also observed. The conclusions highlight the need to improve professional training, as well as the knowledge about this practice, which could lead to better recognition of the role played by the forensic psychologists.