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

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In this episode of One in Ten, host Teresa Huizar engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Lindsey Bullinger of Georgia Tech about research linking paid family leave (PFL) to reduced infant child maltreatment. Bullinger explains why infancy is a critical period; infants have the highest maltreatment rates and PFL typically provides 6-12 weeks of paid bonding time plus income support. Using nationwide data (2004-2020, excluding COVID-related reporting drops) and early state programs such as California (2004) and New Jersey (2009), the study finds PFL adoption is associated with lower infant maltreatment reports and substantiations across neglect and physical abuse, with notable reductions reported by social services and medical providers.

Time Topic

00:00 Can Leave Prevent Abuse

01:21 Why Study Maltreatment

02:43 Why Infancy Matters

04:52 Infant Risk Factors

06:39 US Leave Policy Landscape

10:43 Why Employers Don’t Offer

16:28 Known Benefits For Babies

18:26 Study Design And Data

20:55 Key Findings On Reports

23:05 Mechanisms And Removals

26:15 Policy Impact And Messaging

32:56 Next Research On Cash

37:15 Final Takeaways And Wrap

Resources

More than Snuggles: The Effect of Paid Family Leave on Infant Maltreatment - Lindsey Rose Bullinger, Kerri M. Raissian, Bart Klika, Melissa Merrick, Eric Thibodeau, 2026

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In this episode of 'One in Ten,' Host Teresa Huizar interviews Elizabeth Phillips of the Phillips Foundation about Trey’s Law, inspired by Phillips’ late brother Trey. Trey was groomed and abused at Kanakuk Kamp, and as a result of a later civil settlement, was silenced by a Non-Disclosure Agreement before dying by suicide at 28. Phillips explains how NDAs (often called confidentiality or non-disparagement clauses) have become standard in civil settlements, sometimes signed by parents or unaware survivors, and used by institutions and insurers to protect reputations and limit liability. However, this sometimes impedes healing and further disclosure for the victim. She describes state-level success passing versions of Trey’s Law in seven states and urges support for the federal bill (Senate Bill 3966), introduced by Senators Ted Cruz and Kirsten Gillibrand, which passed the Senate unanimously and awaits House action. This law will federally void and make unenforceable NDAs related to child sexual abuse and trafficking.

Time Stamps:

Time. Topic

00:00 Why Victim NDAs Matter

01:34 Kanakuk Scandal Origins

02:57 Trey Story And NDA Harm

05:15 How NDAs Become Standard

07:59 Incentives And Legal Gaps

12:47 Trauma In Civil Litigation

14:11 State Wins And Strategy

18:13 Federal Push And Retroactivity

22:42 September House Vote Plan

25:09 Healing When Truth Is Free

29:55 Where To Learn And Act

33:57 Know Your Rights Wrap Up

36:35 Closing Thanks And Outro

Resources:

Trey's Law ~ End Silence. Expose Abusers. Protect Children. Save Lives.

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Did you like this episode? Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.