ENTREVISTAS PARA INFORMAR TRAUMAS
Entrevistar para informar sobre traumas prioriza el cuidado de la persona siendo entrevistada, permitiendo que estos se sientan cómodos en ese espacio donde comparten su dolor y pena a los periodistas. Un periodista que practique esta técnica concentra la empatía y sensibilidad del trauma del involucrado.
antes de la entrevista
If possible, let the participant choose where the interview will take place to have a predictable, comfortable environment.
It's better to over-explain the process than not, so asking and re-asking for consent to publish their story is important. Let the participant know that they can pull out of the story at any time.
Reflect on what emotional state the person may be in. They just experienced a traumatic event, and their brain is still processing. Vocalizing their story may be hard for them, so give them options to meet them where they're at:
-
Format the story around how best they can express their experiences. If they can't speak about it but can write it, then use that.
-
Consider initially putting away the notepad and equipment to listen to their story rather than immediately report it.
-
If the interview is retraumatizing, then consider ending the story and allowing them space to recover. You can always contact them again at a later date.
Be open about your reporting intentions—focus on profiling what makes families and individuals special.
Be aware of community representatives who try to speak for the whole community as a monolith. In turn, be careful not to spotlight one survivor over another, as this can put pressure on them.
A quién contactar
Inmediatamente después de la violencia armada, comuníquese con los miembros de la comunidad y los funcionarios públicos locales que conocen la situación pero que no son cercanos a la víctima.
Maestros, amigos, colegas o cualquier persona cercana a la víctima: tenga en cuenta y respete que algunas personas pueden no querer hablar.
Cumplimiento de la ley: use para recopilar información básica, pero tenga cuidado con su perspectiva.
Asegúrese de no perpetuar estereotipos y narraciones falsas del vecindario y las personas involucradas.
Instead of quoting the police, reach out to healthcare workers that are treating the patient to check on them. Framing gun violence in a public health perspective is ideal. Learn more about this in our Glossary.
Be aware of community representatives who try to speak for the whole community as a monolith. Instead, distribute your coverage amongst various participants for a more even perspective.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
Slow down and keep the most challenging questions for later in the interview.
If the participant seems distressed, check in with them. Remind them they can take a break at any time. If the participant needs a break, don't try to stop them from feeling their emotions. Unless they told you otherwise, it's best to stay silent and wait for them.
Reflect on what emotional state the person may be in. They just experienced a traumatic event, and their brain is still processing it. Vocalizing their story may be hard for them, so give them options to meet them where they're at:
-
Format the story around how best they can express their experiences. If they can't speak about it but can write it, then use that.
-
Consider initially putting away the notepad and equipment to listen to their story rather than immediately report it.
-
If you receive a harsh reaction, consider ending the story and allowing them space to recover. You can always contact them again at a later date.
Qué (y qué no) preguntar
Do ask them where they'd like to begin. The interview doesn't have to be linear, and the participant can include any information they see as important.
If they're in the condition to, ask them about who their loved one was. Showing who the victim was in their life spotlights their significance in their community and humanizes the story.
No diga ni pregunte nada inmediatamente después de un evento traumático de violencia armada. La gente está de duelo y no quieres explotar eso.
No haga preguntas dirigidas a las emociones, como "¿Cómo te sientes en este momento?" o “¿Qué le dirías al perpetrador/tirador?”
Preguntar cómo se siente alguien puede molestarlo, mientras que pedirle una declaración al tirador le quita cobertura a la víctima.
Cómo enmarcar la cobertura en vivo
No muestres fotos de los fallecidos y heridos.
Live coverage, especially in broadcast news, focuses on trying to be first with breaking news. In rushing to get their story to stick out from the rest, some live journalism coverage relies on making their viewers shocked. If you have to record live after the shooting incident, try to stick to these tips.
-
Prioritize community members rather than law enforcement
-
Always ask for permission before filming
-
Don't film distressing or violent scenery
-
Bullet holes in windows
-
Footage of someone getting shot
-
Bloody sidewalks
-
-
Don't show faces or names of minors
Additional Resources
Click on the number to view the full resource guide
The Journalist's Resource "Trauma-Informed Journalism: What It Is, Why It’s Important and Tips for Practicing It"
A PDF guide from the Dart Center "Trauma & Journalism: A Guide For Journalists, Editors & Managers"
Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice "Toolkit: Trauma-Informed Journalism"