Describe survivor-centered interviewing techniques during crisis intake.

• A. Open-ended questions, validate feelings, share limits of confidentiality, obtain consent for information sharing, and pace the interview to the survivor’s comfort and safety.
• B. Use closed questions only and withhold empathy.
• C. Focus on extracting information quickly even if the survivor is uncomfortable.
• D. Lead with personal opinions about safety.

Answer: (A)

Survivor-centered interviewing during crisis intake focuses on safety, autonomy, and validation, guiding how information is gathered in a trauma-informed way. Open-ended questions invite the survivor to share what’s most important in their own words and at their own pace, rather than forcing quick, yes/no answers. Validating feelings acknowledges the survivor’s experience and helps build trust. Sharing the limits of confidentiality and obtaining consent for information sharing ensures the survivor understands who will have access to their information and can decide what is shared, preserving their control and safety. Pacing the interview to the survivor’s comfort and safety helps reduce re-traumatization and supports disclosure when the survivor is ready. In contrast, relying on closed questions, withholding empathy, focusing on speed over safety, or leading with personal opinions about safety can diminish trust, feel coercive, and hinder truthful disclosure.