South Ayrshire Multi Agency Partnership
Information For Workers
Practical Issues
Be aware that the woman may not always be able to talk openly, which may result
in her giving inconsistent or varying accounts of her situation on different occasions
when she may be in contact with you. Give her the choice of having a female member
of staff carry out the interview. Always check how much time she has and whether
she has other commitments, eg children to pick up from school.
Be clear about what you need to know from her, and let her know that she doesn't
have to talk to you about the abuse if she doesn't want to discuss it.
Interviews should be in private, although you might want to offer her the option
of having a supporter in with her. If her partner (or another family member) is
with her, or if she sees people she knows at your offices, then she may not feel
able to explain her situation safely.
Welcome children who accompany their mother and acknowledge them. However, it is
often difficult for women to talk about their experiences with children present
so, if possible, try to provide somewhere else for any children to play safely while
you are talking with their mother. Make sure they are comfortable, have access to
juice, a toilet, etc. Don't use children as interpreters in the interview.
If using an interpreter, make sure it's an independent interpreter from the interpreting
services (not a member of the family/ also check that the woman feels comfortable
with the interpreter). If this is not possible, organise an interpreter for her
next visit. Alternatively, have written materials available in the woman's language.
Never attempt to contact the abuser to verify the woman's story. This also applies
to young people.