Forensic Psychologists Develop Skills to Support the Prosecutorial Investigation of Child Trafficking Cases

Lima – Nearly 50 forensic psychologists from the Peruvian Public Ministry's Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences participated in the 4th Refresher and Specialization Course in Forensic Psychological Evaluation in Child Trafficking Cases. 

These professionals increased their knowledge of the legal framework of trafficking in Peru. Additionally, they enhanced their capacities to apply psychological tests in forensic evaluations and participate in forensic discussions to provide an adequate and effective response to the expert’s opinions requested by prosecutors in the investigation of trafficking and exploitation cases. 

This course was held after the update, in December 2021, of the Forensic Psychological Evaluation Guide in Cases of Violence Covered by Law No. 30364, which includes trafficking as a form of violence. Since 2021, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has been providing technical assistance to the Public Ministry, achieving the development of four of these specialized courses, with the participation of over 1200 psychologists. 

Karina Jensen, ILO Technical Coordinator, praised the efforts of the National Manager of the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Raphael Anaya Caldas, for supporting the training of these professionals. She also highlighted the forensic experts' commitment to professional development and encouraged them to apply a victim-centered approach in the psychological evaluation reports of children, since it will allow them to effectively support prosecutorial work and contribute to exemplary punishments for perpetrators and civil redress for victims. 

The ILO supports the capacity-building efforts of the Public Ministry’s Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences as part of the project "Partnerships in Action to End Child Trafficking in Peru," implemented within the framework of the Child Protection Compact Partnership (CPC), funded by the U.S. Department of State.