This course consists of a blend of theory and role-play exercises, both as a participant and observer. It includes cognitive interviewing through the PEACE model and conversation management techniques, including skills development in questioning and active listening.

We will look at:

• the process of interviewing, including planning and preparation, relationship building and managing information
• key considerations for approaching survivors/victims and witnesses
• credibility and reliability
• use of intermediaries and interpreters
• understanding witness memory
• verbal and non-verbal communication
• dealing with barriers to communication such as investigative mindsets
• managing difficult and challenging behaviour during the interview
• interviewing suspects and ‘insiders’
• interviewing individuals who may be disadvantaged through age, developmental issues or post-traumatic stress disorder
• techniques to interview survivor/victim/witnesses of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence against both female and male, adults will be addressed.