In this episode of 'One in Ten,' host Teresa Huizar speaks with Dr. Zsófia Szojka of the University of Greenwich about why children recant abuse disclosures, drawing on research using over 1,400 real forensic interview transcripts and a sample of 53 children who recanted. Szojka explains how recantation complicates child protection and legal responses and reviews prior findings that recantation is more likely in intrafamilial cases, with unsupportive caregivers, and among younger children. The discussion highlights interviewing implications, emphasizing open, contextual questions and better caregiver and child support after disclosure.
Special thanks to Breanne Wylie, Agnieszka Nogalska, Annabel Reay and Tom Lyon.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Episode Introduction
01:24 Meet Dr Szojka
01:31 Why Study Recantation
02:56 What Research Shows
05:06 Kids Explain Recanting
06:33 Influences Versus Pressures
07:50 Suspect Related Influences
10:45 Family Fallout And Guilt
15:58 Subtle Coaching Dynamics
21:39 Why Pressures Seem Low
27:31 Surprises And Future Questions
33:28 Implications For Professionals
36:52 Mental Health And Support
38:36 Next Research Steps
40:55 Wrap Up And Call To Action
Resources:
Recanting Children’s Descriptions of Influences and Pressures to Recant Intrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse - Zsofia A. Szojka, Breanne E. Wylie, Agnieszka M. Nogalska, Annabel Reay, Thomas D. Lyon, 2026
Support the show
Did you like this episode? Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.
