It was a child abuse case that I was involved in 6 months ago. All the advice from the Legal Department seem to conflict with common sense, I was asked to gather the evidence from the minor involved. Who was I to talk to a minor about such matters, no training etc . So I refused. which caused a great deal of trouble for me.
I am sorry to go off-topic, but I make no apology for addressing this issue every time I see it arise.
I am shocked that this case happened so recently.
The first rule in any child abuse case is that only those specially (and intensively) trained professionals should be involved in interviewing the victim or 'gathering the evidence'. This is done within very specific guidelines and following fairly rigid rules and procedures. The reason for this is that if it is done otherwise then in almost any jurisdiction the offender/defence would be able to argue that the victim's evidence may be 'tainted' by inappropriate leading questions, etc., and that would in many (?most?) cases lead to acquittal.
This is a lesson that has been learned the very hard way over a number of years. The result can only bring extra pain or even devastation to the victim. Not only were they abused, they are now (as they see it) disbelieved, so perhaps they really were the wicked one all along as the abuser told them?
If anyone has any letters, documents, etc., to show that this is still the policy of WTBTS, it should be brought to the notice of the authorities, etc. (e.g. DPP/CPS in UK, USAG in US) and to the major child charities. It is scandalous and worse than irresponsible. I would be happy to pass on such evidence of current practice if available to appropriate agencies/authorities if any who currently hold it do not want to compromise their own position.