Victim-survivors’ perceptions of a cognitive interview protocol for sexual offence investigations

A crucial way of improving the justice response to sexual violence is to strengthen investigative interviews with victim-survivors. Research in investigative interviewing, however, has tended to preference the views of police and psychologists in understandings of effective interview techniques, with minimal research examining victim-survivors’ perspectives of interview techniques and protocols. In this qualitative study, adult victim-survivors in Australia (n = 26) were invited to view and provide their perceptions on a Cognitive Interview style police protocol. Responses were thematically analysed and showed that participants generally valued the protocol’s structure, especially the emphasis on setting clear expectations for the interview, encouraging a free narrative, and grounding techniques. However, many expressed concerns about the ‘context reinstatement’ component, suggesting it would likely be trauma-inducing. They also noted examples of patronising language that communicates disbelief, as well as the potential for insincere rapport-building. Practical suggestions to improve investigative interview protocols in sexual offence investigations are discussed. Overall, the study helps to clarify which protocol components might be harmful or supportive to victim-survivors and adds a victim-centred empirical basis to recommendations moving forward.