Which principle is central to trauma-informed interviewing?

• A. Safety and minimizing retraumatization
• B. Coercive questioning
• C. Rushing disclosure
• D. Ignoring safety

Answer: (A)

Safety and minimizing retraumatization sits at the heart of trauma-informed interviewing. When a person has experienced trauma, especially related to violence, their sense of safety—physically, emotionally, and psychologically—significantly affects how they respond and whether they feel able to disclose details. Prioritizing safety means creating a calm, private, respectful environment, explaining the purpose of questions, and offering choices and control over what and how much to share. It also means pacing the interview, using nonleading, open-ended questions, validating emotions, and being transparent about how information will be used or shared. By reducing triggers and avoiding pressure or coercion, the interviewer helps the survivor maintain autonomy and feel supported, which improves trust and the quality of information gathered.

Coercive questioning undermines safety and trust, rushing disclosure pressures the survivor and can cause them to shut down or provide incomplete information, and ignoring safety directly contradicts the purpose of trauma-informed practice.