The social worker, as an expert witness in sexual offences committed against children

Abstract

Sexual offence against children is a complex issue and a major problem in South Africa. Trained and skilled social workers as expert witnesses are needed to help the courts deal with this problem in our courts. A specialised knowledge in the field of forensic expert witnessing in sexual offence cases is a must. Since a University degree in Social Work does not adequately prepare social workers to be effective expert witnesses the Social Work Profession receives much criticism in this regard. Probation Officers, Forensic Social Workers from SAPS and Forensic Social workers in private practice were included in the study in an attempt to investigate the problem and suggest possible solutions. The problem is a lack of skilled, trained and knowledgeable professionals in certain areas of the spectrum, e.g. sexual abuse in a child’s case.