A trauma-informed journalist begins by learning – if they do not already know – some fundamentals about domestic violence, including that it can happen to anyone, but has disproportionate impacts for some. It builds trust with your sources when you make an effort to understand some of the dynamics they are facing.  

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“Gaining trust – not just because you need something from this person but because you genuinely care about what happened to them – leads to deeper, more intimate conversations that can help you weave a more accurate and compelling narrative,” says Sammy Caiola, senior fellow at USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism.

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Share with your source the story you hope to tell, and how they fit into it. Non-journalists might have no idea how long you’ll work on a story, when it will appear, or what form it will take – so tell them. Talk about options for shielding their identity, if they don’t want to be named or described. Finally, ask what kind of impact they hope the story will have. The answer may help you both.

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Share with your source:

• What story you hope to tell

• Why their experience matters

• The scope of the story

• How long you will work on the story

• Where it will be published

• What the format will be

• Their options for attribution (anonymity, voice alteration, non-identifiable visuals, etc.)

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Ask your source:‍

Do you have any concerns or questions about this process?

Is there anything specific you do not want to discuss?  

How can I or others best support you in this process and make you feel comfortable?

What are your desired impacts for the story?

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Tips ‍

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Be transparent
To the extent possible, share your angle and the context in which a survivor can expect to appear. Sometimes the nature of a story does change. Let your source know, especially if it could change their answers or willingness to participate. 
 
Get informed consent 


Before going on the record, share your practices around confidentiality and where recordings and interview notes are stored. Help survivors understand and consider any safety concerns that could arise from them being identified. 
 
Listen patiently


Try not to interject as a survivor is telling a story, especially a traumatic one. If you need clarification about something, make a note for later. You may need to give the survivor some space and time to process their emotions.

Mirror survivors’ language


If the survivor uses specific language to describe their experiences, try to use the same words. Your body language can also mirror theirs. Your voice and nonverbal cues can show that you are listening without judging. 

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Fact-check gently

Fact-checking is an important part of journalism. Let survivors know up front that doing it, sometimes by contacting other parties involved in their story, doesn’t mean you don’t believe them. Especially with traumatic events, sometimes a survivor may get details or dates wrong. Gently remind them that you need to double-check.  ‍

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Follow up

After interviews, check in. Offer updates if your source wants them. Sometimes you think of a new question or need clarification while putting the story together — and that’s OK. It’s best to let survivors know ahead of time that you may need to contact them again.

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