Interviewing/ Interrogating
Women
Dr. Tushar Singh
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.
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 self-esteem.
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. I’m concerned for your safety.
2. I’m concerned for the safety of your
children.
3. No one deserves to be treated this way.
4. It’s not your fault.
5. 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.
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.
Review and update the plan frequently.
Every time a victim’s situation changes,
review and revise the safety plan, if
necessary.
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.
