Three-year-old Erica* had been a victim of sexual abuse. During the forensic interview, Erica proceeded to hide behind the chair and behind the door. She showed signs of anxiousness and she did not want the door closed during the interview, so the door was left open to help her feel comfortable. After about 10 minutes, Erica was not able to disclose what had happened to her and was about to be taken back to her mother.

During the interview, Erica had taken off her shoes as part of her nervousness in being in this new situation. Erica allowed the forensic interviewer to assist her with putting her shoes back on while leaving the interview room door open. While the forensic interviewer was putting her shoes back on, Erica began to open up and talk about her abuse. Erica and the forensic interviewer continued to talk with the door wide open and the tape rolling while her shoes were being put back on. In those 5 minutes, after finally feeling comfortable, Erica was able to provide enough information about what had happened to her so that the criminal and civil investigations were able to proceed.

It is often the case that very young children need extra time to feel comfortable. Letting Erica hide behind the door for a few minutes, allowing the door to remain wide open, and helping her with her shoes would give her the time she needed to feel listened to and understood. As a result her anxiety lessened and she was able to feel comfortable. Due to the forensic interviewer's specialized training, skills, and knowledge of child development, Erica was able to address what had happened to her, and the legal system was able to take the next steps in holding the alleged perpetrator accountable for his/her actions.