104 Protecting a survivor when she reports what happened to her( continued)
TO THE TRAINER
PART II: THE TRAINING
During reporting( continued)
If a helper can be present to support the survivor when she makes her report, she should: 10. Agree a stop signal with the survivor, because this will help the survivor to hold her boundaries and reduce the danger that she might be overwhelmed. The helper can:
• Teach her to say“ Stop”.
• Teach her how to signal‘ stop’ with her hand.
11. Instruct the survivor to tell her story in general terms( headlines). This will help the survivor to avoid triggering her trauma memories. The helper should teach her to avoid details where possible.( Legal complaints will require detail. In this circumstance, make sure she understands why this is necessary.)
12. If the survivor shows signs of being overwhelmed, assist her to stay in the present moment. If she manages to do so, the past will remain in the past. The helper can keep in close contact with her:
• Ask:” Are you with me now?”
• Maintain eye-contact.
• Say her name.
• Use touch if she disappears, or say“ You can take my hand if you need”.
• Tell her” You are safe now”.
• Talk about good memories or things she has mastered until she calms down.
• Let her decide if she wants to continue.
• Make sure that she feels she is in control.
After reporting
The Helper should: 13. Find a good process of closure for the survivor after she has reported. 14. If possible ensure that people are available to whom the survivor can speak after she gives her report. Help her to ask for information about what will happen to her story, her complaint or report.
15. Plan and make arrangements for the following days. If a survivor is exposed to threats after reporting, provide alternative shelter for her( if possible).
DISCUSSION
Discussion. Pros and cons of reporting.
Using the best practice rules and with a human rights-based approach in mind, ask the participants to discuss the advantages and risks of reporting, which almost always requires survivors to describe their trauma, sometimes in detail. Ask them to consider what helpers can do:
• To assist a survivor to decide wisely on whether to report.
• To reduce the risk that a survivor will be re-traumatised.
• To make it more likely that the outcome will be satisfactory or bring the survivor some benefit.
• To prevent the survivor from being put in danger or at risk because she reports.