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Child as witness a challenge for courts

Her beloved uncle sexually abused her on the living room couch, a 10-year-old St. Paul girl said, stealing her innocence and her trust. Her sense of betrayal deepened when her uncle was acquitted in a Ramsey County courtroom. Most children molested by family members or acquaintances don't tell a soul. Or they tell someone who doesn't believe them. Or authorities won't prosecute. If they are lucky enough to make it to criminal court, the victims face more obstacles. "There are two things we have to do: Prepare the child for court, and prepare the court for the child," said Victor Vieth, an attorney and director of the National Child Protection Training Center at Winona State University.

Source: http://www.lawyers.com