Practical Guidance

Interviewing victims and survivors

Victims and survivors have a legal right to remain anonymous, but there are some cases where they cannot legally speak even if they want to (for example, during the legal process).

Before the interview

A victim and survivor is within their rights to refuse an interview.

• Only approach a victim and survivor or advocate if you know that you are sure you wish to interview them.
• Ask the victim and survivor how they’d like to be referred to – this is different for everyone. Ask if they would like to share their identity, use
  a pseudonym or remain anonymous. Check whether they use the term ‘victim’, ‘survivor’ or something else to refer to themselves. 
• Explain the purpose and angle of your story to the interviewee, how their interview will be used, when it will be published/shown and who else will
  be in the story and any other caveats. 
• Give the interviewee a choice as to where, when, how, and for how long the interview will be conducted.
• Check whether they would like a support person to be present. 
• Explain the process of news production including fact-checking, how the story will be written/recorded, the process of headlines and editing,
  the length of the story, and how the news cycle may affect publication. Further information for victims and survivors can be found in the
  companion Engaging with Media about Child Sexual Abuse: For Victims and Survivors.
• Provide questions ahead of time if requested and ask if there are aspects of the story they do not want to talk about.
• Ask the interviewee what images they might suggest for illustrating the story, if relevant.
• Don’t make promises you can’t keep.

During the interview

• Have a list of support resources on hand if the interviewee needs it
• Asking the interviewee to keep retelling their story may retraumatise them.
• Consider the level of detail needed for the story, and why you want to include/ask about it.
• Let the interviewee know they can take a break or end the interview at any time.
• If the person is visibly distressed, stop the interview (including filming), unless they explicitly express they would like to continue. Ask before physically comforting someone.
• Consider asking, at the end, if they have anything to say to conclude the interview.
• Don’t promise to share the final product if you can’t guarantee it. Different organisations have different policies.
• Spend the time to go over the interview and make changes if requested.

After the interview

• Check on the interviewee’s wellbeing, especially on the day of publication.
• Keep in touch and inform the interviewee when the piece is being published/shown and if it will not be shown.
• Let the interviewee know if something has been discovered that may be difficult for them.
• Don’t put anyone at risk and do not inadvertently identify someone.
• Ensure self-care and get support for yourself as necessary.