by Bridget Webber

Created on: April 29, 2009   Last Updated: February 27, 2011

If you are a journalist you're in one of the few professions which requires individuals to carry out interviews with victims of traumatic events. Unlike a counselor or a friend you are liable to experience a conflict of interests occasionally. As a journalist you have a job to do and a story to gather, but at the same time retaining empathy and compassion for a victim should be of utmost concern to you.

There are both practical and ethical considerations which need to be made when conducting an interview with a person who has witnessed, or been involved in a traumatic event. You may be the first person on the scene, and so the first person a victim sees. Or, you may be interviewing someone a while after an event has taken place.

The following are guidelines to help you carry out an interview with sensitivity and thoughtfulness, so that, instead of adding to a victims fears and anxiety, you help reduce the after effects of their trauma.

First steps

When you approach an individual remember to introduce yourself and speak with compassion, while taking a genuine interest in their current state. Don't plough headlong into an interview by shooting questions at them.

The chances are that they will be in shock, especially if a traumatic event has only just occurred. Where this is the case give full priority of access of the individual to medical practitioners, and family or friends.

If you haven't arranged an interview, show respect by asking permission. This way, a victim will not feel violated by the assumption that they will simply do as instructed.

Put victims first

You may be desperate to gain information and dash away with a story, but bear in mind the victims feelings must come first. By showing empathy you are far more likely to come away with a decent story than if you behaved in a thoughtless manner.

Ask them if they need any help or assistance, and only when their answer has been obtained and dealt with, begin the interview in earnest. Part of a story may be about the initial scene and atmosphere you encounter. As you give a victim time to breath, you can be making a mental note about your surroundings to add descriptive depth to the interview.

Body language/focus

To help show compassion and sooth the victims nerves you can practice appropriate body language. By actively listening to them, not interrupting, and giving eye contact, you can let them know you see them as a real person, rather than merely

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