What is different about interviewing survivors of violence and tragedy? How can reporters avoid re-victimizing already-traumatized individuals? What are the special techniques and ethical obligations in the trauma interview?
Be human first. Do as much pre-reporting as possible. Find out what questions the child has been asking. When possible, immerse. Make them comfortable. Leave them in a good place. Verify what they’ve told you. And don’t underestimate them.
Full video from "Interviewing Children: Multi-disciplinary Approaches; Diverse Contexts"; June 30, 2018.
The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies has released a special issue on refugee children and their families, featuring articles and resources available at no cost through the end of September.
At the Perugia Journalism Festival, the Dart Center hosted panels on confronting gendered threats, and on interviewing people with a history of violence. Event video is now available.