Allegations of sexual abuse often come years after the abuse was alleged to have happened. In these cases, the memories of the outcrier and others are often the only evidence in the case. An understanding of the reconstructive nature of human memory becomes paramount in defending such allegations.
This seminar will briefly explore how human memory works, and more importantly how it doesn't work. Research studies will be reviewed which establish that memories can easily be created or distorted when retrieved at long delays. Applications to several real-world delayed outcry cases will also be discussed as examples.