NCJ Number
227024
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 15 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2009 Pages: 595-617
Date Published
May 2009
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This study examined adult rape survivors and what interviewers need to know to be able to work effectively with this population, and thereby, improve overall interview training.
Abstract
Data from the 92 survivors revealed that interviewer training needs to emphasize diversity so that researchers are capable of working effectively with individuals with different life circumstances. The survivors also emphasized the need for interviewers to show warmth and compassion and allow them to exercise choice and control during the interview process. Interview methodology has been widely used in the field of violence against women research since its beginnings in the early 1980s. The literature on interviewing in violence against women research also suggests that interviewer training requires substantial investment. They need to be trained in both the substantive dynamics of violence against women, as well as specific interviewing strategies for working with victimized populations. To guide the development of interviewer training programs, an empirical study was conducted on adult rape survivors’ recommendations for interview practice. Survivors were asked what interviewers should know about rape and how they should interact with participants. The results of this study are presented and discussed. Table and references