HELPING AND INTERVIEWING: DOS AND DONTS

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HELPING AND INTERVIEWING DOS AND DONTS
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OUTCRY
Attempts at telling someone and seeking help.
Seldom occur soon after the first abuse --
usually occur months/years after the first time.
By this time their helplessness depression is
usually very high.

• Suicidal attempt or gesture
• Running away from home
• May disclose it indirectly -- happening to a
  friend
• May ask how to help a friend who is being abused
• May discuss abuser without mentioning abuse
• May want to talk about home situation
• May leave suggestive drawings or notes to be
  found
• May complain to nurse of vague somatic symptoms

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STATE OF MIND

• Very confused
• Tremendous sense of helplessness hopelessness -
  nobody will believe me, understand me, or help me
• Very scared of what will happen to them and
  family
• Why did it have to happen to me
• Tremendous feeling of guilt
• Very protective of abuser, especially if very
  close
• Very concerned about future course of action

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DISCLOSURE
IT MAY HAPPEN AT A TIME YOU LEAST EXPECT

• Calm yourself
• Make time available (if over committed ask if you
  can do it later or if someone else can help)
• Find a quiet and private place
• Listen calmly and patiently
• Support them -- do not question their integrity
• Reassure him/her you are concerned
• Reassure them it is not their fault
• Reassure them that no one will get punished
• Do not suggest what was done to them - listen

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FIND PROFESSIONAL HELP
Handling and helping abuse cases is very subtle
and complex. Never assume you can deal with such
cases unless you have been fully trained in child
abuse.
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Interviewing the child DOs

• Build trust if the child does not already trusts
  you
• Conduct the interview in private
• Make sure you have time dont rush
• Sit next to the child, not across a table which
  can be intimidating to the child
• Reassure the child of confidentiality
• Use language that the child understands best
• Ask child to clarify words you dont understand
• Dont suggest or lead the child in their
  disclosure

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Interviewing the child DONTs

• Do not allow the child to feel in trouble or
  at fault
• Criticize the childs use of words or language
• Suggest answers to the child
• Probe or press for answers the child does not
  want to give
• Display disapproval, shock, horror of parents,
  child or situation
• Force or insist that the child removes clothing
• Have other interviewers present

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Interviewing Parents DOs

• Select interviewer(s) appropriate to the
  situation
• Conduct the interview in private
• Tell parent(s) up front the reason for the
  interview
• Tell parent(s) that the interview is confidential
• Be direct, honest, and profession
• Advise them of what you plan to do, and what
  follow up steps you will take

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Interviewing Parents DONTs

• Do not try to prove abuse or neglect by
  accusations or demands
• Display disapproval, anger, horror of parent(s),
  child, or situation
• Pry into family matters unrelated to the
  situation
• Place blame or make judgements about the
  parent(s) or child