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Protecting a survivor when she reports what happened to her
SAID ALOUD
Protecting a survivor when she reports what happened to her
Aim. To outline best practice rules when a survivor decides to describe her experience formally( report to the authorities, file a complaint, prosecute the perpetrator, or report in any other context). To consider the possible risks involved in reporting.
PART II: THE TRAINING
Trainer. I want now to talk through some key points that are vital in order to protect a survivor who decides to report what happened to her, for example by filing a complaint to the police, or giving testimony. Afterwards, I would like to hear your own views and to discuss what I have said.
The helper taught the Butterfly Woman a stop signal. She said:“ You are the one in charge. You can say‘ stop’ or‘ no’ or‘ I need a break’ if you find it too difficult to continue or to answer questions. Do what feels natural for you. You can also say‘ No’ by lifting your hand.” The helper lifted her arm with her palm forward to demonstrate.“ Do you think you can do that? Let’ s try it together.”
The Butterfly Woman found her way to signal‘ stop’. She said“ Stop” and lifted her arm and put her palm forward. She discussed with the helper what kind of tools and resources she wanted to use when she talked to the lawyer. Now that she had learned to ground herself, she decided to hold a little stone in her hand that reminded her of the present. She practised lengthening her spine and grounding her feet. She also asked the helper to be there when she talked to the lawyer, to help her to regulate herself during the meeting.
The helper and the Butterfly Woman also talked for a long while about what she expected to happen after she had filed the report. She knew that often perpetrators were not punished but she was willing to try anyhow. Perhaps this could prevent others from experiencing what she had ….
[ The Trainer posts up a list of best practice rules.]