Why Children Recant Abuse

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.