When a child experiences abuse, each time they are asked to retell their story can be painful and re-traumatizing. At Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, we prioritize a child-only narrative. Instead of telling their story multiple times, children share their experience once in a calm, child-focused environment where trained specialists listen with compassion and care.
This coordinated approach protects the integrity of investigations while allowing healing to begin.
What a Child-Only Narrative Means
A child-only narrative can mean that:
- The child speaks directly to trained professionals in a safe and child-friendly setting.
- Families, law enforcement, and social workers receive the necessary information without repeatedly questioning the child.
- Every step is designed to minimize stress and promote trust.
It is important to note that while the investigative process is designed so a child shares their story only once, some children may still participate in legal proceedings. If a case advances to trial, the child may be required to provide testimony in the courtroom. During these instances, advocates from the State Attorney’s Office and members of Kimberly’s Center team provide support to help the child feel safe and supported throughout the process.
Why Repeated Questioning Can Be Harmful
Repeated interviews can increase anxiety, confuse memories, and discourage children from opening up. Each retelling can unintentionally make a child feel unsafe or misunderstood, slowing the healing process and complicating investigations.
Research shows that repeatedly asking children to retell their story can be harmful. In a study of 115 children aged 3 to 12, interviewers asked an average of three repeated questions per interview. Of these, 53% were for clarification, 24% were to challenge previous answers, and 20% had no clear reason. Repeated questions, especially when suggestive, made children more likely to contradict themselves, increasing stress and confusion.While children often repeated (54%) or elaborated on (32%) their answers, unnecessary repetition can be traumatic and reduce the reliability of their testimony.
This is why Kimberly’s Center ensures every child shares their story just once, in a safe, supportive environment, protecting both their well-being and the integrity of the investigation.
How Kimberly’s Center Protects Children
Our approach includes:
- Specialized interview rooms designed for comfort and security.
- Videotaped interviews to ensure investigative and legal accuracy without requiring multiple sessions.
- Child advocates who guide each child through the process, offering support from start to finish.
The Benefits of a Child-Only Narrative
This method:
- Reduces re-traumatization and emotional stress.
- Improves the accuracy and reliability of information for law enforcement and social services.
- Empowers children to feel safe, respected, and in control of their story.
How Parents and Caregivers Can Support Their Child
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping their child feel safe and supported. The most important thing you can do is trust the trained professionals at Kimberly’s Center to guide the conversation. Avoid asking your child to repeatedly recount the abuse, as this can increase stress and confusion. Instead, focus on providing emotional reassurance and let your child know they are believed, loved, and not at fault.
Encourage them to share their feelings and experiences at home in a calm, supportive environment, and remind them that their story is being heard once and with care. Your calm presence and encouragement help your child feel safe and empower them to focus on healing rather than reliving the trauma.
A Safer Path to Healing
A child-only narrative is a cornerstone of trauma-informed care. By sharing their story just once, children can begin the healing process safely and with dignity. Our trained team is available 24/7 to provide expert care, guidance, and advocacy, supporting every child every step of the way.
Learn more about our child-focused services or schedule a tour to see how Kimberly’s Center provides a safe, nurturing environment for every child.
Article Sources
Andrews, S. J., & Lamb, M. E. (2014). The effects of age and delay on responses to repeated questions in forensic interviews with children alleging sexual abuse. Law and human behavior, 38(2), 171–180. https://doi.org/10.1037/lhb0000064