The study “Taking Oral Evidence in Chile from Child Victims in Priority Groups: Challenges for the Practice and Training of Justice Professionals,” published in the Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, outlines the challenges experienced by interviewers and intermediaries with children and adolescents considered to be in priority groups.
Through a data analysis, these challenges were categorized into eight groups. First, the study identified particular difficulties faced by professionals with six groups of children and adolescents, referred to here as priority victims or members of priority groups: (1.1) preschool-aged children, (1.2) victims with neurodevelopmental disorders, (1.3) victims with psychiatric disorders, (1.4) reluctant victims, (1.5) indigenous and migrant victims, and (1.6) victims in complex contexts/crimes. Second, the analysis identified cross-cutting challenges for professionals related to (2.1) difficulties that persist after their initial training, and (2.2) the lack of availability of background information about victims prior to the proceedings. The article emphasizes the need to strengthen the competencies and content related to these priority groups, enhance initial competencies, and refine guidelines for properly assessing and addressing these victims to facilitate their access to justice.