Select and Train the Fact-Finding Team

Selecting the Team

Selecting the Team

What skills should an

interviewer have?

Selecting the Team: ChecklistIntelligenceDependabilitySensitivityResourcefulnessFlexibilityCommitment to VAW and DVRespect for the mission No conflicts of interestGender 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

ExpectationsWhat 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

ExpectationsWhat 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 IssuesRe-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