5.11 Receiving a disclosure and conducting a victim interview
We have outlined several issues and considerations when planning to respond to reports of safeguarding concerns. Now you consider how to approach some of these in practice.
Let us hear from Patience again.
Activity: Identify key factors in Patience’s approach
Read Patience’s account of her initial response to a serious report. Use the pen to highlight the steps that she took to reassure the caller, making it easier to describe her experiences.
Select the pen to start highlighting. You can select the Undo button if you need to erase your last highlight. When you have finished highlighting, select the Reveal answer button to view a model answer. You can then select Hide answer to view your answers again and compare them. You can repeat this if needed.
Comment
Patience was consistently open and honest with Tolotea and took steps to reduce her worries about the police becoming involved. She allowed Tolotea to choose the interview setting, and to bring a supporter.
Patience adopted an informal approach to the interview, providing a safe space for Tolotea to tell her story. She was clear about her responsibilities concerning confidentiality and next actions.
These principles – being open and honest, creating a safe space, and being clear about the process – apply whoever you interview, from witnesses to the alleged abuser.
Now, you move on to learn more about managing risk during case management.
5.10 The investigation process
