Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

Who is referred to as the outcry witness in cases of child abuse?

1. The first person the child confided in

2. The person accused of the abuse

3. A witness to the abuse

4. The child's guardian

The correct answer is: The first person the child confided in

The term "outcry witness" refers specifically to the first individual to whom a child discloses the occurrence of abuse. This person is significant in legal proceedings as their testimony can be crucial in substantiating the child's claims and helping to establish a timeline of events. The role of the outcry witness is vital because they often provide the initial validation to the child's allegations, and their account can carry substantial weight in a courtroom setting. The credibility and reliability of this person can significantly impact the investigation and the prosecution of the case. In contrast, other choices do not fit the definition of an outcry witness. For example, the person accused of the abuse does not serve as a witness to support the child's allegations but is instead the subject of the accusations. A witness to the abuse might provide observational evidence but is not the one who received the child's initial disclosure. Similarly, a child's guardian may have a protective role but typically does not fulfill the specific function of an outcry witness unless they were the first to hear about the abuse from the child.