Judging
Asking direct questions, trying to pull out details or talking incessantly.
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Listening
Listening to what the victim says without judgment and letting the survivor express themselves in their own way and at their own pace.
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Doubting
Appearing to be sceptical or questioning what the victim/survivor tells you.
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Believing
Believing what the victim/survivor tells you because it’s their experience and their perception. For the moment, you must focus on what the victim is saying and experiencing.
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Trivializing, minimizing or over-dramatizing
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Receiving
Receiving what the survivor says without minimalizing or amplifying the facts, emotions or consequences.
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Emphasizing what the victim/survivor could have said or done differently
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Encouraging their strengths
Recognizing accomplishments and stress their strength and courage for talking about the traumatic experience.
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Blaming
Blaming the victim for what they did or didn’t do or implying that the survivor is partially responsible for what happened.
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Removing guilt
Getting the victim/survivor to understand that it’s not their fault, that the aggressor is completely responsible for their own actions.
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