Strategy Part 1: Interview Purpose
The purpose of this interview is to find out how ready and willing a male victim of violence may be to participate in the entire process of the court as a witness in matters of domestic violence. In addition, information regarding the victim is sought—from his situation, area of concern, and any impediments that would hinder him from testifying against his wife. The interview also provides the victim with information on court procedures, his rights as a witness, the support services that can be availed, and issues to do with safety so as to enable him to make decisions and exercise his rights but also be able to relate well with the legal process.
Strategy Part 2: Setting
The fact that it was a small meeting room at the courthouse has important implications for Mr. Smith and me. For Mr. Smith, this might be an anxiety-stricken and threatening situation since the case under discussion is, after all, tremendously sensitive, and there are clearly security features, as indicated by the presence of barred windows, which may further contribute to his discomfort and reluctancy to talk about intimate matters. However, to me, the private setting in the courthouse offers an important feeling of confidentiality and security. It offers him the ability to express himself in private so as not to be overheard by any other person in the public area and open up to his fullest (Daly & Sarre, 2017). In other words, since the legal help resources are right there on the very same premises of the courthouse, there is quick access to the help resource for intervention support services if, during the interview, Mr. Smith urgently at that very moment needs help counseling. The interviewer should understand and realize the paramount importance of setting that is to provide a safe and conducive environment for discussions on sensitive topics of social evils like domestic violence. I am aware of the privacy afforded by the courthouse meeting room and will use it to encourage Mr. Smith to speak openly and candidly so that my interview of him may be more productive in the MOST truthful sense.
Strategy Part 3: Techniques and Strategies
It is paramount to have an environment in which Mr. Smith feels “free to leave” in order for that interview to be effective. In fact, to achieve this, I will inform him directly, at the outset of his participation in it, that the interview is purely voluntary and that he may, therefore, withdraw from the interview at any moment free if he wishes. This assurance gives him the confidence to prevent being apprehensive about participating in the conversation, giving him the illusion that he has autonomy and control over what happens.
I will use my body language to be open and non-threatening, thus conveying a message about the warmth and sincerity of this contact—for example, relaxed shoulders, not crossing my arms, and through the use of eye contact that is expressive of sincerity. Besides that, by mirroring Mr. Smith’s own body language, I will have another way of strengthening trust with him by enabling a comfortable atmosphere that is most appropriate for sharing information.
My voice tone would be slow and encouraging, slowly speaking, pausing to reassure very calm with the individual. To that effect, a calming voice may provide a calming effect that is much needed in preventing the expected anxiety and fear Mr. Smith is likely to experience so he can relax for effective communication. My approach to this communication will ensure that Mr. Smith has comfort and emotional safety, which are essential requirements to facilitate a more productive and impactful interview (Taylor-Dunn, 2016).
Strategy Part 4: Question Types
What information do you need in this interview?
The interview seeks to get Mr. Smith’s understanding of the domestic violence experience. Details will include what actually happened during the incident, Mr. Smith’s feelings towards the incident, his past abuse incidences, if any, and worries about giving evidence against his spouse. The interview will also assess his knowledge of his rights and access to support.
Which types of questions will help you gain the information you need?
I will use various types of questions to ensure I gain the information I need. The following are examples of the questions I will use:
Reflective: I will let Mr. Smith share his story and emotions freely.
Directive: These questions will help me get specific details about the incident and legal aspects.
Pointed: I will let Mr. Smith address tough topics directly (past abuse, testifying fears).
Indirect: Approach sensitive issues subtly, allowing him to control disclosure.
Self-appraisal: Help Mr. Smith identify his needs and preferred support.
Are there any question types that will be more useful to gain the information you need than others? Why?
Yes, some questions will be more useful in gaining the information I need than others. Reflective and directive questions would serve better in getting the required information without ambiguous questions. For instance, reflective questions will make Mr. Smith speak more about his experiences, letting him share his feelings openly and giving better insights into his perspective on the incident and its aftermath. Again, reflective questions are structured in such a manner that they give better cues not only to Mr. Smith but also to learn of their mental status and decision-making processes as affecting the case. Such types of questions will better place the interviewer in a good position to elicit the most comprehensive and relevant details necessary in order to decide whether Mr. Smith is ready and willing to engage effectively in the court process.
Are there any question types that will be less useful to gain the information you need than others? Why?
Some of the kinds of questions are not likely to work very well in evaluating Mr. Smith’s history with domestic violence or his ability to be a witness. Leading questions would tend to push him in one direction or another, while diversionary questions could take the conversation elsewhere. Questions that are most effective in giving information will instead be open-ended and directional in the form regarding the incident, feelings about testifying, and concerns.
What are some pitfalls you will want to avoid in creating your questions?
Potential pitfalls to avoid in formulating these include leading or biased language that could sway Mr. Smith’s responses, asking very long or invasive questions which infringe privacy, and failing to give a chance for Mr. Smith to refuse to answer some questions if at all he feels uncomfortable.
Strategy Part 5: Questions
Reflective Question: “Can you describe the events leading up to the incident in as much detail as you’re comfortable with?”
Directive Question: “Do you remember if there were any witnesses to the altercation?”
A pointed question: “So how has he abused you in the past in your relationship?”
A self-appraisal question: “What do you think would help or support you to ensure that you are safe and supported during this process?”
Indirect: “So, will you let me know those kinds of people or agencies you have been talking to since it happened?”
References
Daly, K., & Sarre, R. (2017). Criminal justice system: Aims and processes. Crime and Justice: A Guide to Criminology. Sydney: Lawbook Co.
Taylor-Dunn, H. (2016). The impact of victim advocacy on the prosecution of domestic violence offenses: Lessons from a Realistic Evaluation. Criminology & Criminal Justice, 16(1), 21–39.
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