When a survivor chooses to report after experiencing sexual violence, their first conversation with law enforcement carries real weight—and it does need to be a conversation, not an interrogation. That first interaction can shape whether a survivor feels safe enough to keep going or decides to withdraw from the process altogether. It can have a lasting impact on their well-being. A trauma-informed, human-centric approach is not “soft skills,” it’s critical. It’s about understanding how trauma actually works so you can get clearer, more reliable information and develop skills that will make you a more effective and efficient interviewer, while minimizing the risk of retraumatization for the interviewee.
One of the biggest shifts for most law enforcement is letting go of the expectation that a survivor will tell a chronological story, neatly packaged with all the details. Trauma doesn’t organize our memory that way. People may jump around as they report what happened, forget details, or remember important information later. They might seem calm, detached, or inconsistent. They might react in ways that seem misaligned with what happened, like laughing. These reactions can be confusing if you’re not expecting them, but after learning about trauma, you’ll expect them. You’ll learn how to navigate them. And with training in conducting interviews that acknowledge both trauma and humanness, you’ll be able to get the information you need while helping the survivor stay grounded and empowering them as the decision-maker.
Before the first question in an interview is asked, the environment and tone already send messages. Setting up a soft interview room or other quiet, private, and comfortable space is a game-changer. So is taking the time to explain what’s going to happen next. Letting the survivor know they can go at their own pace or ask for a break whenever they need one may seem minor, but it reduces anxiety and makes it easier for them to stay present and engaged in the conversation. Most importantly, it builds trust and communicates that you care.
The person you’re interviewing is here to talk about something incredibly difficult. Experiencing sexual violence is a devastating loss of control, and the reporting process shouldn’t repeat that dynamic. It’s our job to empower the survivor as the decision-maker every step of the way. While conducting the interview, offering small choices, like asking if they’re ready to begin or offering a pause or grounding exercise if they seem stuck or overwhelmed, can make a meaningful difference in how safe someone feels.
As we get into the interview, starting broad is the most effective approach. An open-ended prompt like, “Tell me what you can remember about your experience” allows the person to share information in their own way, starting from a place that feels most comfortable to them. What they need to say may come out in fragments or out of order, and that’s ok. The goal is to let information surface naturally. You can always clarify details later with thoughtful follow-up questions that don’t imply doubt or blame.
The way we phrase questions matters more than we realize. Questions that begin with “why” can sound accusatory, even if that’s not our intent. Shifting to something like “Tell me more about what was going through your mind at that moment?” keeps the focus on understanding rather than judgment. It’s also helpful to acknowledge out loud that memory can be imperfect under the impact of trauma, which takes pressure off and often leads to more accurate recall over time.
Sensory recall also plays a powerful role in the interview process. Asking the survivor about what they smelled, heard, saw, tasted, and touched can unlock memories, resurface critical information for the investigation, and help the survivor piece together what happened to them in ways that more seemingly “direct” lines of questioning cannot.
Throughout the interview, the communication style can keep things on track or derail the conversation. A steady tone, clear language, and supportive, compassionate reactions help build trust. On the other hand, visible shock, impatience, or overly technical language can cause the survivor to shut down or second-guess what they’re sharing.
Finally, it’s important to recognize that recounting a traumatic experience is difficult, especially when it has to be repeated. Limiting unnecessary retelling, coordinating with other professionals, and paying attention to signs of distress can reduce the risk of retraumatization while keeping the interview productive.
At its core, interviewing must be about working with human behavior instead of against it. When people feel as safe as possible, supported, respected, and understood, they’re more likely to remember more and share what they know. Ultimately, that leads to stronger investigations, minimized risk of retraumatization, and better outcomes for survivors. That’s what we should all be working toward.
Let’s talk more about best practices for adult forensic interviewing! If you are a CT officer or agency wanting to make your interviews more effective and survivor-centric, contact me at kristin@endsexualviolencect.org.