Which approach is most appropriate when interviewing a sexual assault survivor to gather information?

Which approach is most appropriate when interviewing a sexual assault survivor to gather information?

• A. Ask detailed leading questions to confirm specifics
• B. Ask open-ended, non-leading questions in private
• C. Question the person publicly to increase accountability
• D. Delay questioning until the person reports the incident to police

Answer: (B)

Open-ended, non-leading questions asked in a private, safe setting embody a trauma-informed approach to interviewing sexual assault survivors. This method lets the survivor tell what happened in their own words, without being guided toward specific details, which protects memory accuracy and avoids implanting details. Conducting the interview privately reduces risk of embarrassment, stigma, or fear of judgment and gives the survivor a sense of control, which supports disclosure and safety. In contrast, leading questions can steer the story and distort memory, public questioning can be humiliating or retraumatizing, and delaying questions until police involvement can undermine the survivor’s autonomy and access to support. So, the best approach is to use open-ended, non-leading questions in a private setting.

Open-ended, non-leading questions asked in a private, safe setting embody a trauma-informed approach to interviewing sexual assault survivors. This method lets the survivor tell what happened in their own words, without being guided toward specific details, which protects memory accuracy and avoids implanting details. Conducting the interview privately reduces risk of embarrassment, stigma, or fear of judgment and gives the survivor a sense of control, which supports disclosure and safety. In contrast, leading questions can steer the story and distort memory, public questioning can be humiliating or retraumatizing, and delaying questions until police involvement can undermine the survivor’s autonomy and access to support. So, the best approach is to use open-ended, non-leading questions in a private setting.