MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR NGOS 66 ■ The information is analysed afterwards and transmitted to the person in charge of the place either orally or in writing. The end-of-visit talk is a mere formality; ■ In cases where grave abuses have been noted, the NGO addresses the authorities further up the hierarchy directly, so as not to incur the risk of reprisals against those who provided the information. This strategy should be used only in serious cases, as it is very likely to damage working relations with the person in charge of the place in question. Whatever the strategy adopted, it is important to note that in view of the establishment of a constructive dialogue with the persons in charge of the places visited, these persons must be informed promptly of the result of the visit. 8. TALKS WITH THE DETAINEES' FAMILIES Whether in the context of a visit or not, the NGO can have contacts with the families of persons deprived of their liberty. Based on the same principles of behaviour, talks with the families can complete the overall picture of the problems caused by the deprivation of liberty. The families can play a role in the protection procedure if they relay information between the persons deprived of their liberty and the NGO in the case of an incident or other problematic situation in the place of detention.