Building trust with the victim/survivor requires what approach?

• A. Building trust requires a non-judgmental approach and avoidance of doubting or blaming language.
• B. Quick interrogation and accusatory language.
• C. Avoidance of eye contact and distant communication.
• D. Forcing a confession.

Answer: (A)

Building trust with a survivor comes from creating safety, respect, and a sense of control for them. The most effective approach is non-judgmental and avoids language that doubts, minimizes, or blames the survivor. When you listen with empathy, validate their feelings, and refrain from shaming or doubting what they share, you help them feel believed and respected. This set-up invites honest disclosure at their own pace and supports their autonomy in deciding what steps to take next.

Practical ways to embody this approach include using open-ended questions, reflecting back what you hear, and offering clear information about options and confidentiality without pressuring them. It’s about supporting their decisions and honoring their safety and boundaries. By contrast, interrogating quickly or using accusatory language can feel threatening and retraumatizing, making it harder for the survivor to trust you. Distant, unfamiliar body language or forced confessions are equally harmful, as they erase the sense of safety and autonomy that trust requires. The goal is a caregiving stance that centers the survivor’s pace, rights, and well-being.