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Transparency
With people who have experienced the trauma of domestic violence, be extra transparent. Let them know what to expect – and when – from you and your outlet. Allow them to weigh the potential consequences of participating in your story.
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In practice
Describe your process
Before interviewing a survivor, let them know what to expect: your publication timelines, fact-checking process, visual needs. Be open to adjustments based on their comfort level.
Get informed consent
Share with your source the story you hope to tell, and why their experience matters. Knowing the context in which they will appear helps survivors manage their participation.
Stay in touch
Should your story take a new direction or get postponed, let your source know. Especially if it’s been a while since you spoke, give them a heads-up when the story is about to appear.
“Trust can be a huge issue when working with people who have experienced domestic violence or trauma. Making sure that you are a reporter who can be trusted is important.”
Allie Hostler
Managing editor
,
Two Rivers Tribune
Dive deeper on this principle
Trauma-informed interviewing practices
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Power sharing and collaboration with survivors
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