When conducting an interview, what should an interviewer aim to maintain in a victim?

In the context of interviewing a victim, the primary aim of the interviewer is to maintain emotional stability. This is crucial because victims may be experiencing trauma, fear, or anxiety, which can hinder their ability to communicate effectively. By fostering an environment that promotes emotional stability, the interviewer helps the victim feel safe, respected, and understood. This supportive atmosphere can facilitate open and honest communication, enabling the victim to share important details about their experience without overwhelming distress.

While maintaining information accuracy, direct control, and process clarity are also important aspects of the interview process, they are secondary to ensuring the victim's emotional state is stable. If a victim is distressed or emotionally unstable, the quality of information gathered may be compromised, as they may struggle to recall details or provide coherent responses. Thus, prioritizing emotional stability lays the foundation for a successful interview and better outcomes for both the victim and the investigation.