By Natalie Deniston
This fall semester, I had the opportunity to work on a center project researching the best practices for conducting trauma-informed interviews with child victims or witnesses of human trafficking. Due to the devastating increase in the number of child victims who have been trafficked or abused, researchers have worked to create the best approach to interviewing children while keeping in mind the hundreds of factors that make each child and their experience unique.
As I dug deeper into this work, I was struck by the profound impact a sensitive, compassionate approach can have on a child’s ability to share their story and begin healing. Children who have endured severe trauma often struggle to recall events clearly—not because they are lying, but because trauma can alter memory and cognitive processing as well as impact the child’s physical health. The interview process is more than just gathering facts; it is about creating a space where children feel safe and supported enough to share their experiences.
At the heart of trauma-informed care is the understanding that every child is unique and has different emotional, cognitive, and cultural needs. Throughout my research, I discovered that it’s essential to tailor interviews to each child, considering their age, cognitive development, emotional state, and trauma history. This thoughtful approach helps prevent re-traumatization and fosters an environment where children feel empowered to express themselves freely. Asking open-ended, non-leading questions is crucial to minimizing suggestibility in younger children, and by limiting the number of interviews, there is a significant reduction in the child’s stress levels and chance of experiencing more trauma.
What truly spoke to me was the concept of a “whole team approach.” In the most effective systems, a multidisciplinary team—social workers, psychologists, medical professionals, and trained forensic interviewers—works together to support the child. This support isn’t limited to just the interview process; it begins with addressing the most basic physical needs of the child and continues until reintegration into society. This heartfelt approach ensures that the interview is just one piece of a broader, holistic process focused on the child’s well-being. Keeping the child’s best interest at the forefront helps bring healing to the child while allowing their voices to be heard.
This post was written by a student at Regent University School of Law. The views expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect those of Regent University, Regent Law School, or the Center for Global Justice.