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Investment in support people during victim survivor police interviews

Proposal Summary

Improved support mechanisms for victim survivors during an investigative interview process

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When reporting sexual assault to authorities, victim survivors are entitled to have a support person present during the police interview process. However, some are never informed that this option is available to them.

We know that investigative interview experiences can be lonely and isolating. Having the right support throughout the interview process could be extremely beneficial to victim survivors.

For those who are given the option to bring along a support person, the choice can often be challenging. Many victim survivors may be unable to bring the people closest to them because those individuals may also be witnesses in their case. Others may avoid leaning on friends or family for support because they do not want to burden or involve them in such a traumatic process. Many are also unable to afford a private therapeutic support. Added to this is the shame and embarrassment than can come with loved ones knowing they have experienced sexually assaulted.

Having an independent support person involved in your interview process could substantially improve the experience for victim-survivors. But what about the benefits of a peer-based advocacy support service, where people with lived experience could support one another through the interview process? There is a unique sense of connection that comes from shared lived experience, one that differs from the dynamics between a victim survivor and a professional worker.

Imagine a peer-based service where you are matched with a ‘soul sister’ or support partner, someone who helps you feel at ease, understands your fear, and validates your nervousness. Many victim survivors with lived experience are willing and motivated to support others who are beginning their own journey through the judicial system. Where you get to choose someone based on gender, cultural background, or simply who feels like the right fit to support you through this process.

This type of support could help victim survivors to feel safer, more at ease and comfortable opening up about their experience, and less fearful of judgement.

The positive impacts of having a support person with lived experience during an investigative interview process include building trust, reducing power imbalances, enhancing emotional safety, and improving communication and engagement for those involved.

It begs the question: if victim survivors were supported by someone who had been in the exact same position, would more people have the courage to come forward and report their experiences of sexual assault? Such support could also contribute to more effective police interviewing processes and reduce time lost during interview.

This initiative could compliment the proposed Justice Navigator program quite well.

• Justice system responses – police
• prosecutions and courts