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 a source of information for your journalistic wiles.
You can further give a victim your full attention by switching off your cell phone, and by asking them to clarify anything which is unclear.
Research
If an interview has been arranged some time ago, be sure to do as much research as possible before it takes place. This will prevent you from inadvertently making mistakes in your questioning by accidentally making inappropriate remarks or insensitive statements due to a lack of information.
Demeanour
It is important to remain composed and calm. If given information which is potentially difficult to hear, don't let on if you feel emotionally wrought. A journalist needs to keep a detachment from events in order to not induce further upset in a victim, and to remain professional in their endeavours.
Particular cases
If you are a man and a woman who has been sexually violated is due to be interviewed about the event, or are a woman and the victim is a man, bear in mind that it is probably more appropriate if a colleague of the same gender as the victim carries out the interview and not you.
Also remember that some victims truly are survivors. They have been through a terrible ordeal and come out the other side. They may be proud and wish to be seen as having lived through a dreadful experience and become stronger because of it. They may also want to help others who may come across a similar situation. How you portray them in the body of your interview to be printed or seen on the television can greatly affect how they feel.
Sources; http://www.victims.jrn.msu.edu/INTERVIEWING-VICTIMS- OF-TORTURE-pdf http://www.journalism.suite101.com