Presented by Kaitlin Kalna Darwal Senior Immigration Attorney Working with Survivors of Trauma U Visa Training Presented by Kaitlin Kalna Darwal Senior Immigration Attorney

Interviewing a survivor of trauma requires time, humility, and sensitivity

Common Obstacles Confronting Individuals Applying for U-Visa Isolation and Vulnerability Feelings of Shame Economic, Legal, Housing Insecurity Language Barrier Separation from Family Lack of Formal education Cultural Differences Unfamiliarity with Law and/or Legal System Fear of Deportation Experiencing Pyschological Trauma Fear of Authority Figures

Specific Considerations When Working With Survivors of Domestic Violence Client may still be in danger or in an abusive relationship Client may have seriously restricted ability to travel and/or communicate Client may change residences frequently or may be living in transitional housing Client may feel judged

What to Expect When Interviewing Survivors of Trauma Inconsistent narrative Forgetting important details Extreme or very little emotion Reluctance to discuss

Guidelines for Interviewing Survivors of Trauma Establish an appropriate attorney-client culture Prep for the interview The interview Next Steps

Interview Guidelines: Using an Interpreter Direct your communication to client Allow time for interpretation Respect the interpreter

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