Select and Train the Fact- Finding Team

Selecting the Team

What skills should an interviewer have?

Selecting the Team: Checklist Intelligence Dependability Sensitivity Resourcefulness Flexibility Commitment to VAW and DV Respect for the mission No conflicts of interest Gender considerations

Selecting the Team Screening Team Members Resume Statement of interest Letters of recommendation and references Screening interviews

Selecting the Team How big is the team? Estimate: 2 to 10 interviewers –Two interviewers at each interview –Less than 100 interviews (WHO)

Training the Interviewing Team Info on organization, project, mandate and protocol Expectations Background on international human rights standards Information about domestic violence and other related issues Ethical considerations Trauma issues Practical instruction on how to interview

Information on organization, project, mandate and protocol Organization Project –Origins –Scope –Objective –Timeline –Final outcome Protocols Tip: Develop a set of Frequently Asked Questions

Expectations Your expectations of the interviewer What the interviewer can expect from you

Expectations What the interviewer might expect from you: To prepare goals and details of the project and the interviewer’s role To give practical advice to the interviewer To provide briefing materials, referrals and information about DV and monitoring implementation of DV laws To communicate protocols and procedures to the team members

Expectations What you might expect from the interviewer: Prepare any materials as agreed Complete the monitoring training Read all background materials Contact you if any unusual situations Keep a record of all relevant information obtained Keep all project information confidential To comply with protocols and procedures To respect principles of monitoring To complete work according to protocol To assist with the interviewing, report-writing and/or advocacy

Background on International Human Rights Standards UN Treaties and Declarations UN General Recommendations and Comments Relevant CoE treaties and instruments Discoverhumanrights. org

Information about Domestic Violence Orders for protection Guidelines and protocols on domestic violence Criminal provisions on assault and domestic violence Criminal and civil procedural codes Child protection issues Legal aid Policies and laws on victims of crime

Ethical Considerations Do no harm Keep confidentiality Remain impartial Respect the mandate Maintain credibility Don’t make promises you cannot keep

Trauma Issues Re-traumatization Pace the interview to avoid overwhelming the interviewee Acknowledge the difficulty in reliving abuse Demonstrate empathy Validate the interviewee’s conduct during the interview—encourage emotional expression Listen actively to the interviewee Do not make assumptions or judgments about the interviewee’s behavior, do not shame her Use self-control over your own emotions Be knowledgeable about domestic violence Avoid hugging or touching the interviewee

Trauma Issues Secondary Trauma Teach interviewers to identify and be aware of symptoms Teach interviewers how to manage secondary trauma

Practical Training Overall Guidelines Fact-finding Protocol Handling difficult interviewees Follow-up and referrals

Interview Guidelines Build rapport Avoid judgment or evaluation Be patient Do not interrupt the interviewee Do not push the interviewee Obtain as much relevant detail as possible Ask questions to clarify Use your observation skills Respect confidentiality at all times Treat each interview as though it will be the last Know when to stop

Fact-finding Protocol Two people Beginning interview –Introductions –Project description –Information use –Confidentiality –Informed consent

Fact-finding Protocol, cont’d Record basic details How to record Tip: If you make personal notes to yourself in the interview notes, place them in [brackets] so you know it came from you, not the interviewee.

Fact-finding Protocol, cont’d Private location –Shelter –Office –Neutral third setting, like a church or school

Handling Difficult Interviewees Anticipate potential problems Provide context to create trust Demonstrate understanding of challenges Back up and engage in small talk if appropriate Rephrase your questions If all else fails, end interview and try to reschedule

Other challenges Not getting enough detail about stories Recording the information word-for-word so it is completely accurate Obtaining interviews with high-level officials

Follow-up and Referrals Ending interview Follow-up Referrals