Short answer – yes, they’re reliable.
But let’s not leave it at just that. We’ll answer the question of why that is so.
When it comes to abuse, a lot of people who never speak up are simply afraid of not being believed. Unless there’s camera footage or witnesses, how do you prove you’re telling the truth? The person who hurt you says it never happened, and it’s your word against theirs.
It’s no wonder that the idea of a lie detector test sounds so appealing. If a machine could back you up, maybe someone would finally listen. But then you start to doubt yourself because what if you get nervous (and you will!) and it affects the results? What if the test says you’re lying even though you’re telling the truth?
Polygraph tests have always been a loaded topic, so can they really help you without making an already terrible situation even worse?
What Makes People Wary of Polygraphs?
A polygraph test is often called a lie detector, and the way it works is by measuring changes in your body, like heart rate, breathing, and how much you’re sweating while you answer a series of questions. The idea is that, if you’re lying, your body will react in ways a polygraph will notice.
This is also where the controversy starts. Courts don’t always trust polygraphs because the science behind them isn’t foolproof.
In other words, your body can react for all kinds of reasons, and while fear and pain may cause the polytest results to be inconclusive, someone being nervous or under stress won’t affect the result.
For people who survived abuse, trauma can trigger the same physical responses, such as rapid heartbeat and/or changes in breathing, which will still result in an accurate reading.
It is only if the person recalling these events starts being affected by fear or physical discomfort (pain) that the results may become unreliable. If you’ve been through something terrifying, your heart might race or your breathing might change, even though you’re telling the truth, leaving the test results as inconclusive.
That being said, with proper conditions and an experienced examiner, the results of a polygraph can be invaluable, especially when the test is done voluntarily. There’s some truth to the controversy, but the problems arise mostly with examiners who aren’t experts and with machines that aren’t of good quality.
When the Polygraph Helps
When there’s not enough physical evidence, a polygraph can make or break a case. Take Christine Blasey Ford, for example. She took and passed a polygraph test before she testified about her sexual assault allegations. The test she took did wonders for how the public perceived the case, and it added a lot of weight to her story.
In other settings such as schools, camps, and churches, polygraphs are sometimes used during internal investigations. Survivors who agree to take the test can help prompt action within the organization, like placing someone on leave or going forward with the settlement.
Legal teams also use results from polygraph testing during negotiations, especially in civil cases or insurance claims where there’s not a lot of evidence.
What Makes a Polygraph Credible
To be useful, the test has to be done carefully, which means by the right person, in the right setting, and with a clear purpose.
Let’s take a closer look.
1. Expertise of the Examiner
The person who is giving the test has a big impact on how well it goes. A trained, certified examiner knows how to run the test properly and understand the results. They’re also far less likely to make mistakes or jump to conclusions.
If you’re ever in a situation where you need to take a test of this kind, make sure to work with someone who knows what they’re doing.
2. Proper Framing and Legal Guidance
No one should ever take a polygraph without knowing what it means or how it might affect their case. Survivors should always talk to a sexual abuse lawyer before they take the test. A lawyer will explain what to expect, how the results could be used, and help make sure the test helps the case.
This kind of support gives survivors more control and protection during the process.
Extra note: In a number of U.S. states (Washington, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Maine, Delaware, Indiana), polygraph testing of victims is either fully prohibited or is strictly regulated. |
3. Trauma-Informed Testing Practices
If a person has been through hell already, taking a polygraph will be stressful. This is why it’s important to have an examiner who understands trauma and knows how to create a space that’s calm and safe.
If the test is done in a respectful and kind way, it’s easier for the person to focus and give clear answers. This makes the results more accurate and the experience becomes a lot less overwhelming.
4. Voluntariness and Transparency
The test should always be a choice, not something someone is pressured to do. The person who is taking the test should fully understand how it works and what happens with the results.
When someone chooses to do it on their own, it shows honesty and openness.
Conclusion
So, can a polygraph be your ally? Absolutely. But you need to work with someone who is certified and who knows how trauma can affect a person. Yes, there’s controversy around lie detector tests but there’s also controversy around the shape of the Earth and lizard-people controlling humanity.
It comes down to common sense. If you decide to take the test with a random Joe who does them in his garage, what can you really expect?
Work with a professional and a polytest can help your case tremendously.
