Which of the following describes the typical reactions of children under 12 who are victims of assaultive offenses?

Children under 12 who are victims of assaultive offenses often face significant emotional and psychological challenges that affect their ability to communicate about their experiences. When it comes to providing accounts of such traumatic incidents, many young victims struggle to articulate what happened in a detailed manner. This difficulty can stem from various factors, including fear of the perpetrator, confusion about the situation, feelings of shame or guilt, or simply a lack of vocabulary to express their experiences.

Young children may also be preoccupied with their immediate feelings and reactions rather than focusing on the specifics of the event. Their understanding of complex situations is often limited, which contributes to their inability to provide comprehensive details. These factors highlight the need for sensitive and age-appropriate approaches when interviewing child victims to ensure that they feel safe and supported while trying to recount their experiences.