After reading this chapter you will be able to:

• Identify the characteristics of rape and other sexual assaults.
• Identify the recommendations that investigators should follow when conducting interviews of sexual assault victims.
• Explain the potential value of physical evidence in sexual assault investigations and how, where, and from whom it may be found and collected.
• Discuss how the MO and signature of the perpetrator can be established and what value this information may have in a sexual assault investigation.
• Discuss how the interrogation of a sexual assault suspect may be assisted by an understanding of his motive in committing the crime.
• Discuss the frequency, indicators, and possible motives of false reports and allegations of sexual assaults.
• Discuss the characteristics of domestic violence and identify the most challenging and least challenging aspects of domestic violence investigations.
• Discuss the characteristics and types of child abuse and identify the most challenging and least challenging aspects of child abuse investigations.
• Discuss why interviewing procedures are so important in conducting child abuse investigations.