📌 Court Testimony as Expert Witness in a Child Credibility Evaluation

Today I appeared in court as a forensic psychology expert, participating in a highly sensitive case involving the credibility assessment of a 7-year-old child’s testimony. The experience was professionally enriching but emotionally demanding.

The child was clearly emotionally distressed, affected not only by the events in question but by the emotional burden accumulated throughout the process. Guilt, shame, and a strong sense of betrayal were especially prominent. At some point during the proceedings, the child had been told they “wouldn’t have to talk about it again,” and this broken promise became a major barrier to obtaining a full, coherent narrative.

Although I was able to identify credibility indicators during the interview, the difficulty in eliciting a spontaneous and detailed free narrative severely limited the reliability of the assessment. In line with established protocols and ethical standards, I concluded that the testimony should be considered indeterminate.

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🎯 Scientific Integrity Above Intuition

These are often the hardest decisions to make. As a clinician and human being, I strongly suspected the child was telling the truth — but as a scientist, I must adhere strictly to what the evidence can support. That boundary must never be crossed.

Fortunately, today the case has reached its conclusion. The accused admitted guilt and accepted the charges, sparing the child from having to testify again. As an expert, I find great relief in knowing I did not overstep the thin — but essential — line between what I can objectively demonstrate and what I emotionally suspect.

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🔎 A Broader Reality Backed by Data

This case is far from isolated. In fact, in a recent study we published in 2023, we examined the prevalence of child sexual abuse (CSA) in Spain using a large sample of over 1,300 adults. The findings are striking:
• 22.4% of women and 9.2% of men reported experiencing CSA.
• Women were significantly more likely to report severe forms of abuse during adolescence.
• The overall prevalence of CSA — with or without intercourse — was high enough to demand urgent attention.

📄 You can access the full study here:
Pineda, D., Muris, P., Martínez-Martínez, A., & Piqueras, J. A. (2023)
➡️ Prevalence of child sexual abuse in Spain: A survey study. European Journal of Psychology Applied to Legal Context

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🧭 A Necessary Reminder

In cases like these, it’s crucial to stay grounded in scientific rigor, even when every fiber of our being — as citizens, professionals, or parents — urges us to go further. Only by upholding these principles can we contribute to a more ethical, more humane, and evidence-based system of justice.

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