What techniques can you use to conduct an interview with a source in a vulnerable position?

It is tricky when we are meddling with the psychologically affected individuals. It is equivalent to a wound being scratched by a stranger who is unaware of the intensity of the pain caused to the person. You can use3A's- Awareness- Consciously being aware of your own biases, trauma, unhealed wounds Acknowledgment- Acknowledging that you may have to work harder to provide a safe environment to the victim to open up especially where trust has been tarnished. Focus on having open non-verbal body language( gesture, posture, tone).The energy that a person carries is what makes another person get a hunch whether he/she can trust. Appreciation - Appreciating the grit of the individual to hold on to life even in adverse situation.

When preparing to interview vulnerable people, it is important to consider how can you avoid prejudice and stereotyping. Mitigating prejudice and stereotyping when interviewing vulnerable individuals involves acknowledging and addressing implicit biases. Cultivate awareness, actively listen, and engage in reflective practices to counteract preconceived notions. Strive for cultural competence, treating each person as unique, fostering an open-minded and unbiased interview environment.

Building rapport when interviewing vulnerable individuals is important for trust, communication, and quality information. Establishing a positive connection reduces anxiety, encouraging disclosure of sensitive details. This approach demonstrates respect, empathy, and cultural sensitivity, fostering a supportive environment. A strong rapport not only enhances the interview but also lays the groundwork for ongoing positive relationships, essential for effective support and follow-up interactions

When speaking to a source in a vulnerable situation, I make sure to prioritize their safety and comfort over any information they could give me for my story. Being a good journalist means being a good person. Any information one obtains from a source who is in distress, who doesn't understand how that information will be used, or who feels pressured to give it is not information I will use in a story.

I think as journalists, sometimes we get caught up in the idea of being "objective," and that precludes us from showing basic human compassion to sources. When talking to sources who are retelling traumatizing incidents that happened to them, I make sure to let them know that I am in the moment with them by saying things like, "I am so sorry that happened to you," and "that must have been so difficult," in order to validate their feelings and show true empathy. I really stop and try to feel what they were feeling in that moment with them. I also make sure to express gratitude that they're sharing personal information with me, a relative stranger, when they really do not have to.

I've never conducted an interview with a source that I didn't have questions about afterwards, so I make sure to establish with them how and when they'd like to be contacted with follow-up questions. I make sure they know it's because I want to show utmost respect towards them by retelling their information accurately.

In interviewing, open-ended questions are key because they allow for a more comprehensive exploration of interviewees experiences. Open questions encourage your interviewees to share their perspectives, feelings, and unique narratives, fostering a deeper understanding of their circumstances. Unlike closed-ended questions, open-ended ones empower vulnerable individuals to express themselves freely, promoting trust and transparency in the interview process. This approach enables interviewers to gather reliable and accurate information, ultimately contributing to more nuanced and empathetic insights into the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.