Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

What is a key factor in conducting a victim-sensitive interview?

1. Using complex legal jargon to explain processes

2. Ensuring the victim feels safe and understood

3. Interrogating using aggressive techniques

4. Addressing only physical evidence

The correct answer is: Ensuring the victim feels safe and understood

In conducting a victim-sensitive interview, ensuring that the victim feels safe and understood is crucial. This approach fosters an environment of trust, which can lead to more accurate and comprehensive disclosures from the victim. Many victims may be experiencing trauma or heightened stress, and when they perceive that the interviewer is empathetic and non-threatening, they are more likely to open up about their experiences. Creating a safe space involves not only physical comfort but also an emotional sense of security. It is important for the interviewer to be attentive, listening actively, and validating the victim's feelings. This supportive approach helps to empower the victim, making it easier for them to communicate their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment or retribution. Other approaches, such as using complex legal jargon or aggressive interrogation techniques, can alienate the victim and hinder the interviewing process. Relying solely on physical evidence neglects the importance of understanding the victim's perspective and the context of the situation, which is essential for a thorough investigation.