Tips on Interviewing Victims of Traumatic Stress
Before conducting an interview with a victim, as yourself:
1. Is it necessary to immediately interview those who have suffered trauma?
2. What is the value of intruding on people when they are grieving, disoriented, shocked or freightened?
3. What should you discuss with someone before that person consents to an interview?
The journalist must make a judgment about the capacity of the person being interviewed to understand what the interview entails, including potential ramifications for the interviewee, family members and friends. In other words, the subject of the interview has to give what might be called informed consent.
During the interview:
1. Respect the other person's efforts to regain balance after a horrible experience.
2. Watch what you say.
3. Set the stage for the interview.
4. Explain the ground rules.
5. Share control with the interviewee.
6. Anticipate emotional responses.
7. Listen. 8. Review with the interviewee what you have learned.
9. Think through what you have heard and seen.
Adapted from William Coté and Roger Simpson, Covering Violence: A Guide to Ethical Reporting about Victims and Trauma, New York, Columbia University Press, 2000.
See, also the Dart Center Web Site at www.dartcenter.org.