If you are a journalist then you are in one of the few professions which requires individuals to carry out interviews with victims of traumatic events. Unlike a counseller 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 the 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 the victim sees. Or, you may be interviewing someone a while after the 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 to reduce the after effects of their trauma.

First Steps

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

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

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

Put the Victim First

You may be desperate to gain information and dash away with your story, but bear in mind that 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 your story may be about the initial scene and atmosphere you encounter. As you give the 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 your compassion and sooth the victims nerves you can practice appropriate body language. By actively listening to them, as in by not interrupting them, and by giving them eye contact, you can let them know

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to compassionately interview victims of traumatic events?
We want to hear your view. Write now!