Psychological Importance of Collecting Video Evidence in Handling Cases Related to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Children and Adolescents

This article explains the psychological importance of decision making based on video evidence in handling SGBV cases involving child and adolescent victims. It discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the methods used at present while examining policies from various countries, including Europe, Australia, United States and several Asian nations, and proposes adjustments to ensure ethical and child-friendly practices. The article emphasizes the need for trauma-informed approaches, developmental considerations, and stringent ethical standards in forensic and legal psychology. Supporting these arguments are research findings, case studies, and empirical evidence highlighting the critical role of video evidence in enhancing memory recall, reducing psychological trauma, and supporting legal outcomes.