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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 .]