What should officers do when interviewing an elder about suspected abuse?

When interviewing an elder about suspected abuse, conducting the interview in a safe, private setting using open-ended questions is crucial for several reasons. Safe environments ensure that the elder feels secure and less anxious, which is vital for encouraging open communication. A private setting helps prevent any potential intimidation from outside influences, allowing the elder to speak freely without fear of repercussions or judgments.

Open-ended questions facilitate a more conversational flow, enabling the elder to share their experiences and feelings in their own words. This method not only helps to gather more comprehensive information but also helps build trust between the officer and the elder, which is essential in sensitive situations like this. The aim is to create a rapport that encourages the elder to provide detailed information about their situation rather than just simple yes or no responses.

In contrast, using closed-ended questions could limit the depth of information received, and conducting the interview in a public space may inhibit the elder’s willingness to disclose sensitive information. Making the elder feel threatened is counterproductive, as it can lead to further distress and could potentially silence the victim rather than encouraging them to speak out.