CCTV neither affects conviction rates nor interfere with the rights of the culprit.
Many abused children have been forced to face the accused person. Encounters with the accused disturb the children. However, there are remedies to this like the use of live CCTV links (McAuliff, Michel, 2015). This method is promising but is being used inconsistently and is non-existent in many courtrooms. Besides this, some prosecutors are failed to use the CCTVs. Some courts are even reluctant to allow children to use the CCTVs touting reasons such as eroding the rights of the culprit, lack of seriousness on the child when giving evidence, and falling conviction rates. On the contrary, legal experts elsewhere have established that CCTV neither affects conviction rates nor interfere with the rights of the culprit.
Cross-examination also traumatizes children. Techniques such as improper questioning that is harassing, annoying, intimidating, oppressive, repetitive, and offensive are hurtful to children in the trial (Walsh, Jones, Cross & Lippert, 2010). Besides, incidences of lengthy cross-examinations are also commonplace. Long cross-examinations confuse and upset the children (Zajac & Hayne, 2003). Repeated aggressive and intimidating cross-examination unnerves children. It is, therefore, critical that a child is subjected to fair treatment while on trial. Appropriate handling will involve shorter cross-examination periods and perhaps using pre-recorded evidence. When making pre-recorded evidence, it is wise to encourage the use of narratives to encourage children to talk freely and also elaborate on their memories.
It is without a doubt that abused children need and deserve all the support they can get from their families or other support groups (Fontes, 2005). These groups can accord help to the victims in several ways. One pertinent way of helping is through giving emotional support. Another meaningful way of support is supporting the children during interviews and other examinations. Also important is accompanying the child to a CCTV room where they give evidence. It also would be most thoughtful if an expert is sought to help a child with unique difficulties or vulnerabilities such as learning disabilities, communication problems, and any ethnic group religious priorities or concerns. Perhaps most critical is arranging counseling and therapy for the children.