CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Child Advocacy Centers are recognizing trained specialists this week as part of National Forensic Interviewers Week, which runs through Friday.
Forensic interviewers work with children who may have been abused or neglected, helping them share their experiences in a safe, trauma‑informed setting without having to repeat their stories multiple times. The interviews are used to gather evidence and support investigations.
Shiloh Woodard, executive director of the West Virginia Child Advocacy Network, said more than 60% of children disclose some form of maltreatment or exposure to abuse during the forensic interview process. Those statements can be used in court to corroborate a child’s account.
“All forensic interviews in West Virginia are audio and video recorded, creating documentation of what the child said,” Woodard said.
Even when a child does not disclose abuse, Woodard noted that investigators may still have cause to pursue the case that prompted the referral. The number of forensic interviews has grown steadily over the past two decades, with more than 50 trained interviewers now working across the state.
“We’re doing a tremendous job of making sure, when cases are referred to child advocacy centers, whether from law enforcement or child welfare, that the children who need a forensic interview are receiving those on‑site,” Woodard said.
Nationally, one in 10 children will experience abuse or neglect before turning 18. In West Virginia, suspected sexual abuse accounted for 46% of referrals to child advocacy centers last year, while 17% involved harm or neglect related to drugs.
Anyone with concerns about possible child abuse or neglect can contact the West Virginia Child Abuse Hotline at 1‑800‑352‑6513.
Woodard emphasized that callers do not need proof to make a report — only a concern.
