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.