Managing Vulnerable Victims

National Institute of Corrections/American University, Washington College of LawJuly 7-12, 2002

Typical Populations

Developmentally Delayed Hearing Impaired Gender Concerns Cultural concerns Limited Language Ability Diagnosis of mental illness Other mental health problem

– Depression– Post Traumatic Stress Disorder– Abuse survivor

“LISTENS”

L - Listens , listen, listens I - Insists on keeping on open mind S – Stays away from trying to impress the interviewee T – Tends to be persistent, but patient E - Endeavors to be gentle N - Never underestimates the intelligence of the

interviewee S - Subdue personal prejudices

Developmentally Disabled

A severe, chronic disability of an individual that is:– Attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a

combination of the two conditions– Is likely to continue indefinitely

Results in substantial functional limitations in 3 or more of the following areas of major life activity:

– Self-care– Receptive and expressive language– Learning– Mobility– Capacity for independent living– Self-direction– Economic self-sufficiency

Interview Challenges

Wants to please people in authority Relies on authority figures for the solution Watches clues from interviewer; wants to be

friends; wants to please Real memory gaps Quick to take blame Has a short attention span

Allow person to use their own words Do not ask leading questions Use concrete ideas (who, what, when, where,

how) Use verbal praise to encourage the interviewee Beware of vocabulary (anatomically correct

dolls) Do not touch interviewee

Non-verbal

A certified sign language interpreter (ADA) Consider videotaping Do not use staff if not certified Give the interpreter time to establish rapport

and trust Ask the interpreter if she or he is comfortable

with subject – if not, make other arrangements

Speak directly to the interviewee Establish the ground rules Do not interrupt – the hearing imparied person

wants to tell the whole story Ask about the environment and when

Gender Issues - Differences

Women Relationships are important Talk about their problems Caretakers of children Will ask for help Depressed

Men Do not share innermost thoughts Do not talk about their problems Acknowledge children Reluctant to ask for help Aggressive

Histories

Women Abused as children Used drugs & alcohol early Promiscuous sex Unwanted pregnancies STD’s

Men Abused as children Used drugs & alcohol early Promiscuous sex Unplanned children STD’s

Consequences

Women Low self-esteem Depression Unwanted children STD’s Other health problems

– Dental– Ob Gyn

Men Low self-esteem Angry/aggressive Does not take care of children STD’s Health problems Victimizer Aggressive Behavior

Staff Issues

Women Abused Victimized Substance Abuse Depressed

Women Victim role Self-destructive behavior

– Anger turned inward

Men Abused Victimizers or need to be in control Substance Abuse Depressed – expressed aggressively (need to

control)

Men Victimizer Aggressive behavior

– Outward expression of anger

Cultural Issues

Different cultures– Different views on women/sexual issues

Immigrants Religious Ethnic/racial

Consequences

Women belong to men/family Have no rights Unwilling to talk about what we perceive as

inappropriate behaviors

Psychiatric Disabilities

Interview in private Make sure the interviewee feels safe (inside

vs. outside location) Be prepared to walk/pace during the interview Offer frequent breaks; keep the interview short Offer cigarettes, something to drink

Consider the time of the interview in terms of the interviewee’s medications (sleepy?)

Be aware of your body language (avoid distracting behaviors, do not interrupt, look directly, stay calm)

Be aware of interviewee’s body language; watch for clues

Inconsistencies in story may not = lying

Do not underestimate the interviewee’s intelligence

Consider involving mental health service provider– In the interview to add “safety”– Add to interviewee’s medical history (as

appropriate)