How to Interview a Trauma Victim
The Fine Line Between Reporting and Exploiting People in Pain
Aug 22, 2008
Reactions can range from silence to hostility. Entry level reporters must learn that a large measure of empathy is required when interviewing a trauma victim. At the same time, reporters must have professional detachment and do what they can to get the interview.
Reporter Trauma
Reporters can't just leave victims alone because they feel sorry for them. Their jobs require that they pursue the news no matter how uncomfortable it makes them. The University of Washington School of Communications recognized the need for instruction on this matter in 1994 when they introduced trauma instruction to all its journalism courses.
Interview Trauma Victim
Reporters must express empathy. It is unwise to immediately ask for an interview. The victim is traumatized and a reporter's desire for an interview is the least of their concerns. Instead a reporter should introduce themself and ask how the victim is holding up. The Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma suggests starting the conversation with "I'm sorry for your loss." Reporters must genuinely care about the answer and spend a few moments looking into the victim's eyes letting them know that they understand their pain.
Interview Crime Victim
Reporters should offer to help in any way they can. The victim should be told the positive things the media can do for them. Reporters can tell the victim's side of the story, let the experience be a warning to others or expose whomever committed the crime. Reporters must focus on the victim's needs, not on their selfish desire for an interview.
Exploiting People In Pain?
Journalists must be ready to do the interview when they approach. A victim should not be put through the additional drama of having a camera set up in their face and a microphone pinned on them. Photographers should shoot from a discrete distance and not wait for instruction. Reporters should focus on just having a conversation with the victim. Maintaining eye contact and exhibiting an expression of compassion will take their mind off the interview. This applies to victims of everything from a crime to a natural disaster.
Reporter and Victim
The victim must be allowed to talk. When a crime victim recounts their experience, they often get lost in their narrative. They will get a far off look in their eyes and ramble about what happened. Reporters must not interrupt them. Some of the best sound bites happen on their own. Interrupting a crime victim at the wrong time interrupts their train of thought and could shut them down. Good interviewers know when to be quiet.
Journalists Interview Victims
Being a reporter involves both empathy and professional detachment. If reporters push victims too hard they are criticized for being insensitive or unethical. If they don't push hard enough they are mocked as soft. Reporters should try to be considerate but understand that getting the interview is part of their job. This may sound contradictory but it is all part of being a news reporter. On most days journalists are both hero and villain.
