NEW APPROACHES TO THE APPLICATION OF SPECIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE IN THE INVESTIGATION OF CRIMES AGAINST SEXUAL INTEGRITY COMMITTED BY MINORS

The investigation of crimes against sexual integrity committed by minors is often difficult due to the lack of data other than the testimony of the accused and the alleged victim. The accusatory bias found in investigative practice also presents a significant problem in ensuring the objectivity of the investigation. The involvement of a psychologist with special knowledge to participate in investigative actions and judicial proceedings in various forms can optimize the investigative process and make a significant contribution to ensuring the objectivity of the assessment of testimony. In a number of countries, for example in Germany, the involvement of a forensic psychologist in cases of sexual crimes is an established practice that provides the court and the investigation with scientific knowledge about the degree of reliability or unreliability of the testimony of various participants in the criminal process.