Dissertation Defence: Exploring Cultural Safety, Trauma-Informed Practices, and Inclusivity During Investigations of Child Abuse, Particularly in Forensic Interviews and CYACs: Indigenous Cultural Perspectives

Tara Ettinger, supervised by Dr. Judy Gillespie, will defend their dissertation titled “Exploring Cultural Safety, Trauma-Informed Practices, and Inclusivity During Investigations of Child Abuse, Particularly in Forensic Interviews and CYACs: Indigenous Cultural Perspectives” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies.

An abstract for Tara Ettinger’s dissertation is included below.

Examinations are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Registration is not required for in person defences.

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ABSTRACT

More attention is needed on addressing investigations of child abuse in a culturally safe manner. The research used guided conversations with Indigenous community members, Elders, and/or professionals from various communities in British Columbia to explore how might cultural considerations enhance the well-being of Indigenous children and youth during forensic interviews in investigations of child abuse. The participants identified themes within the guided conversations indicating that Indigenous children’s needs may not be being met during investigations of abuse. These factors not only create challenges for Indigenous children, who may be involved in the criminal justice system, but they also create barriers for Indigenous children to disclose abuse to professionals, thereby potentially limiting opportunities for further protective and healing interventions. Culturally understood elements enhance the well-being of Indigenous children and youth during forensic interviews in investigations of child abuse. Such elements are demonstrated as cultural aspects and key theoretical issues demonstrating clear implications for practice. These important, culturally relevant, aspects expressed by the participants need to be incorporated into practice when working with Indigenous children during their disclosures of abuse. The dissertation concludes with other considerations for practice, including some cultural elements for workplaces and CYACs that would demonstrate supportive environments when working with Indigenous. Particular practice considerations, visualized through micro, meso, and macro sociological viewpoints, are also demonstrated.