My 9-year-old daughter is a witness to a murder(she was just passing by at the time).She has been subpoenad as a witness in the supreme court next week.How do I prepare her not to be scared?She doesn't seem to be scared,maybe a little excited and she doesn't feel scared of what she saw.But in the court there are going to be a lot of people,a judge...what should I do to help her?
2007-01-19 01:37:01 · 11 answers · asked by emm 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Let your daughter know that she is a hero. There are adults in the same situation everyday who are not as brave as she is. I think it may be a good idea if ya'll watch a real court case (or something similar) on TV. Court TV has lots. This will give your daughter a idea of what's going to happen. Often times, defense attorneys are not nice to prosecution witnesses. The fact that she is a 9 year old eyewitness would cause me to assume that the defense will be brutal in their questioning to try to confuse your daughter. Help her to stay calm, maybe she can look at you when she feels nervous on the stand. Let her know it's okay to cry, and assure her that no matter what happens no one will be mad at her & she won't get in trouble.
p.s.
what an amazingly well adjusted child you have, for her to go through such a traumatic experience and follow it through to a resolution. You must be a great parent to start with! I'm sure you'll get through this and be stronger for it, both of you. Also, please definitly seek counseling just in case.
2007-01-23 09:26:27 · answer #1 · answered by adondeesta1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I'm a Criminal Justice major and this is quite an interesting situation. I think you should tell her to be honest and answer truthfully. If she's not acting scared then I don't think it's too much to worry about. She's only 9 so she might not really understand whats going on. I son't think there is much to do to help her. The jusge will probably take good care of her and make her feel comfortable.
2007-01-19 09:46:24 · answer #2 · answered by ADNAMA 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just go ahead and explain to her that there are people that are going to be asking her questions and that she should answer to the best of her ability and she will not get in trouble for doing so. Tell her that someone was very mean and did something very bad and the people (judge and lawyer) just want to ask her about it. Best wishes to your daughter....I couldnt' even imagine...
2007-01-19 12:35:39 · answer #3 · answered by kristina807 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be there for her in the court front and center, keep telling her it will be ok, and that she is really really brave to be doing this... Tell her not to look at the accused unless she is directed to point him out by the prosecution, then 2 look away quickly after she does... so she does not see his response, etc...
2007-01-19 09:42:12 · answer #4 · answered by momof3 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Explain to her all the ppl that will be there in court and why. Reassure her constantly that she is doing what is right. Make her feel like a hero. Keep comunication open.
2007-01-19 09:42:01 · answer #5 · answered by michelle h 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
shouldn't there be a social worker there to help her through?
I would look into that, can they even let a 9 yr old in a room with a suspect like that?
2007-01-19 10:39:32 · answer #6 · answered by Willow 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask the prosecutors for suggestions. They have people on staff whose job it is to handle these situations.
2007-01-19 10:48:08 · answer #7 · answered by The Mama 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is best to get some professional help for her so she isnt too excited by everything.
2007-01-19 09:45:25 · answer #8 · answered by MrKnowItAll 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just make her understand
2007-01-19 09:59:44 · answer #9 · answered by Sm1l3y 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋