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 .