Interviewing Victims of Violence/Homicide: Understanding Homicide Through the Eyes of a Child
Date
2010-10-27
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National Children's Advocacy Center
Abstract
People charged with the critical task of communicating effectively with a child who has witnessed homicide can be hindered by the degree of trauma experienced by the child, the child’s age and developmental level, plus a basic misunderstanding of the principals of communication. Information about the death of a parent or family member that is salient to children may not be what investigators or forensic interviewers expect or need. Children may be extraordinarily focused on certain events and attempting to extract other information required for the investigation or prosecution may be extremely challenging.
The process for communicating effectively with children is the responsibility of the adult. Interviewers must be aware of basic principals of communication and have an understanding of a child’s language skills. Interviewers should also be aware of and adept at affording children multiple avenues of communication so they can fully disclose their experiences.
This presentation will provide participants with an understanding of how grief impacts children, the challenges investigators and interviewers face when attempting to gather information pertinent to a homicide investigation, and different methods that can be used to communicate effectively with children who have witnessed homicide or other violent crimes.
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Keywords
Victims of Violence, Homicide, communicating effectively, Interviewers
Citation
Chamberlin, A. (2010). Interviewing Victims of Violence/Homicide: Understanding Homicide Through the Eyes of a Child. Huntsville, AL; National Children's Advocacy Center.