Transcript Slide 1

INTERVIEWING
THE VICTIM
Interviewing the Victim

Let the victim know that you are concerned for her
safety.

Distract the victim from retaliation against abuser.

Be nonjudgmental in questioning.

Questions should be specific and not blaming or
disbelieving.

Validate the victim’s feelings.
Interviewing Rules

Interview the victim away from suspect. It reduces the
risk of retaliation and promotes disclosure.

Have clear rules about confidentiality and disclosure.

Be honest. Tell victim that some information may need
to be shared in court.

Note history of previous violent incidents.

Listen to the victim’s story before asking questions.
Tone of the Interview
The law enforcement officer’s responsibility is to get the
most accurate information possible with the least
amount of trauma to the victim.
The officer sets the tone:

The investigation may be traumatic or degrading for the victim.
Be patient.

The victim will assess the officer’s body language and
demeanor for reaction and understanding.
Necessary Information (1)
1. Name, phone number, address and alternate address
and phone number for the victim.
2. Name, address and phone number for someone who
will always know the location of the victim.
3. The names, addresses and phone numbers of all
witnesses. Contact as soon as possible.
4. The length of the relationship between the victim and
suspect and any other states/communities they have
resided in.
Necessary Information (2)
5. Note any physical or psychological
disabilities.
6. Note any cultural or religious practices.
7. Note immigration status.
8. Note witness’s relationship to the
victim/suspect.
Questions and Statements (1)

Begin the interview with “you” statements and
questions. Ex. “How are you feeling?”

Non-invasive questions may help the victim to
relax and build rapport with the victim.

Keep the victim informed with “we” statements.
Ex. “We need to review some information
together.”
Questions and Statements (2)

Use of the word “we” provides the victim with a sense
of control.

Tell the victim what you need with “I” statements.
Ex. “I need you to remember as many of the details as
possible.”

Ask open-ended questions. Ex. “And then what
happened?”

Listen carefully and take accurate notes.

Ask specific questions to clarify details.
Questions and Statements (3)

Encourage the victim to ask for an explanation if they
don’t understand something.

Note the victim’s body language and other non-verbal
responses.

Reassure the victim that her cooperation is vital and
appreciated.

When the victim is finished, ask if there is anything
else she wants to add.
Questions and Statements (4)

At this time, the officer can ask direct questions
to gather additional facts.

Don’t ask questions not directly related to the
investigation.

Let the victim know that help is available and
that intervention is important to stop further
acts of violence.

Inform the victim that she will not be responsible
for prosecuting – it is the responsibility of the officer and the
prosecutor.
What to Tell the Victim (1)

Be consistent in your responses.

A particular level of enforcement assists victims in
deciding safety options.

Convey the message that the perpetrator is responsible
for his behavior. The victim is not to blame for the abuse.
What to Tell the Victim (2)

Remember - domestic violence victims may have
been subjected to intense attacks on their selfesteem.

Know local domestic violence services/resources.

Do not make a promise you cannot keep (“the
department will protect you…”).
The Danger of Leaving

Do not tell the victim to leave and that
everything will be fine.

Victims are at a much higher risk of being
killed (75% greater risk) after they leave or
when they attempt to leave.

Leaving has to be very carefully planned.
Five Things for Officers
to Say to Victims
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
I’m concerned for your safety.
I’m concerned for the safety of your children.
No one deserves to be treated this way.
It’s not your fault.
My experience shows me that it will only get
worse.
Ask About Abuse (1)
Physical Signs of Abuse
•
Recurring or unexplained injuries;
bruises
•
Combination of new and old
injuries
•
Injuries in areas covered by
clothing
•
Burns in unusual places
•
Injuries to head, face, or scalp
•
Signs of strangulation
Ask About Abuse (2)
Socio-Psychological Signs of Abuse
•
Depression or withdrawal.
•
Hesitation to talk openly.
•
Fearful of law enforcement or other assisting
professionals.
•
Resignation or denial.
Ask About Abuse (3)
Financial Signs of Abuse
•
Lack of knowledge about financial
matters.
•
Unable to make financial decisions or
pay bills without consulting the
perpetrator.
•
No access to financial assets.
Ask About Abuse (4)
Signs of Denial of Civil Rights
•
Unwarranted social isolation
•
Signs of physical constraint
•
Unwarranted schedule of imposed
activities
If the victim doesn’t mention any other signs of physical,
socio-psychological or financial abuse or the denial of civil rights:
ASK HER.
Assistance to the Victim (1)

Encourage the victim to take action to protect herself and
her children.

Encourage the victim to contact the local domestic
violence program. This is required by the State of Illinois.

Assist the victim whether she leaves or not. It may not be
safe for the victim to leave at that particular time.
Assistance to the Victim (2)

Distribute safety plan information at a safe
time and place – not in front of the abuser.

Assist the victim in developing a safety plan or
arrange for assistance from an advocate.

Provide transportation to safety.

Make follow-up contact with the victim.
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Review and update the plan frequently.

Every time a victim’s situation changes, review
and revise the safety plan, if necessary.
Illinois Crime Victims Bill of Rights (1)

The victim has the right to be treated with fairness &
respect throughout the criminal justice process.

The victim has the right to notification of court
proceedings.

The victim has the right to communicate with the
prosecution.

The victim has the right to make a statement to the
court at sentencing.

The victim has the right to information about the
conviction, sentence, imprisonment, & release of the
accused.

The victim has the right to timely disposition of the
case following the arrest of the accused.
Illinois Crime Victims Bill of Rights (2)

The victim has the right to be reasonably protected
from the accused throughout the criminal justice
proceedings.

The right to be present at the trial & all other court
proceedings, unless the victim is expected to testify &
the court determines that the victim’s testimony will be
affected if the victim hears other testimony at the trial.

The victim has the right to have present at all court
proceedings, subject to the rules of evidence, an
advocate or other support person of the victim’s
choice.

The victim has a right to restitution/Victim
Compensation.

The victim has a right to notification of available
services and legal remedies.
Statements
1. Offer the victim the opportunity to make a written or taped
statement.

If the victim recants, this statement can be brought in as
a prior inconsistent statement and is admissible as
substantive evidence.
2. If an arrest is not made, the reports will be forwarded on to
the State’s Attorney’s Office for review.
3. Advise the victim to contact the State’s Attorney’s Office for
further information.
Interviewing Other Witnesses

What relationship do they have to the suspect
and/or the victim?

Contact information (address and telephone
numbers).

Get their statement.
Acknowledgements
Resources provided by:
- Illinois Attorney General’s Office
- Mark Wynn, Wynn Consulting – www.markwynn.com
- Illinois Domestic Violence Act – Revised January 2009
- 4th Judicial Circuit FVCC Law Enforcement Committee
- OVW Rural Grant Committee, 4th Judicial Circuit
This project was supported by Grant #2011-WE-AX-0055, awarded
by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of
Justice, through the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority.
The original project was supported by Grant # 2008-WR-AX-0016,
awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S.
Department of Justice, through the Illinois Criminal Justice
Information Authority.
Points of view, opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations
contained within this document are those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S.
Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, Illinois
Violence Prevention Authority, or the Illinois Criminal Justice
Information Authority.