What are the best ways to report on trauma and violence accurately?

I talk about this every day with my clients. PTSD is not limited to Vietnam War Veterans, it has been a part of our culture over the last 20 years with 9/11, Hurricane Harvey (which permanently changed every Houstonian's relationship with rain) and COVID needs no introduction. There is an excellent book which I recommend often, entitled "The Body Keeps The Score" by Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk, which talks about our relationship with PTSD in great detail.

First of all, to be able to report on trauma and violence, one must have the ability to detach him/herself from the interviewee and analyze the situation from a bigger perspective, have an unbiased view, and reflect the picture as it is. Also, the interviewer should have the knowledge to dig into the real cause of that trauma or violence along with the options to solve them, while interviewing. Every interaction shall be solution-focused as the unfavorable circumstance has already occurred and it should be accepted at first. To add, the reporter shall send pure and healing energies with respect to the interviewee, so that it'd make him/her more comfortable and relaxed.

The best way to report trauma and violence is to have a friend/parent you know will believe u and be able to calm u down while having a good way to inform an authority that will be able to bail you out, say it totally as it is to that confidant, let him or her know u are tired of keeping it to yourself and want a way out..another way is to be very bold on self defensive and do not talk back so that the situation will not be too tense especially when alone during violence Trauma is torture on it's on and the best way to come of it is not only to seek counsel from human but very much the counsel from God. This will bring complete healing to your soul, this doesn't have anything to do with church, all you need is affirmation e.g Jesus help me

Know you stand as an Agent of muted Voices. As such state Facts valuing the injured. State Facts that are fact checked with respect and value of the traumatized and effected.

My own journey has been transformational. I had to change my mindset so that I could respond, and not react. I also know first-hand that it takes strength, courage, and a Warrior's spirit to overcome such horror. What seems to surprise so many is the fact that the stats they report on abuse and neglect are barely the tip of the iceberg! So many victims remain hidden in the dark with the shame. It is family, and society, that have shamed, ignored, and silenced victims; while giving perpetrators free reign to continue their crimes. When I wrote my book, SOUL ON FIRE, I vowed to bring light to this taboo topic and empower others to use their voice and put the shame and blame on those who abused them. This is where strength comes from.

When working with the Traumatized it is critical to stand as a compassionate voice of regard from the traumatized. Within compassion give regard and value to those effected.

Sensitivity is critical when talking to survivors of trauma. For example, it is essential to ease into the interview with small talk to make them comfortable. Tell them how sorry you are for what they experienced before starting the discussion. Tell them the material will be published. Be prepared to pause and wait for the interviewee to gather their thoughts. Show empathy, which will come across better if you do your research and convey an intimate knowledge of the issue. Respect their wish to leave some interview material out of the final piece. Your body language is essential. Stay engaged and show interest by maintaining eye contact and nodding. This tells the interviewee that you are not only hearing them but listening as well.

In order to understand the state of mind of person who is undergoing some trauma and anxiety one needs to be empathetic and sensible. Listening to what one has been through and understanding the situation with what the person is dealing with helps in realizing and relating with the trauma situation. Responding instead of reacting is the utmost important action. Rather than just advising someone that this is just a phase, and it shall pass the answer or reaction the person dealing with these anxieties and trauma wants to hear is "I'm here right by your side through and through to be able to fight the situation with you and you can count on me anytime you wish to speak things out that may help calm your anxiety".

If you are reporting domestic violence, for instance, it is important to be as clear and as truthful as you can. Keeping a journal regarding abuse can be useful in this regard, noting exact dates, locations, events. This journal, when detailed enough and no errors made, is adducable as evidence at court, because it demonstrates a pattern of behaviour.