Which statement about officer response is true regarding avoiding triggering the victim?

• A. An officer's verbal and non-verbal approach can impact recovery
• B. It has no impact on recovery
• C. It always triggers trauma
• D. It is not considered

Answer: (A)

A key idea here is that how an officer speaks and carries themselves when interacting with a survivor can influence that person’s sense of safety, emotional state, and willingness to engage with the investigation. Verbal choices—tone, pace, words, and listening—plus non‑verbal cues like posture, eye contact, and proximity all send messages about support, respect, and control. When those cues reflect care and safety, they can reduce distress, help the survivor feel heard and believed, and make it more likely she or he will disclose information and participate in the next steps. That’s why this statement is true: the officer’s approach can impact recovery. In contrast, saying there’s no impact, or that it always triggers trauma, or that it isn’t considered, ignores the realities of trauma and can retraumatize or deter cooperation.