in order to obtain more information, but, if needed, it may be useful to explain that the more information that is given, the better the chance that the OSCE will be able to intervene. If the interviewee is the victim of sexual violence or trafficking, or is suspected to be, the OSCE staff member conducting the interview should always be asked if the interviewee would prefer an interviewer and interpreter of the same sex. 6.3 CONDUCTING THE INTERVIEW Begin by asking open-ended questions, such as “What happened?”, “How did it start?”, “What happened next?”, etc. The interviewee should be allowed to tell the story in his or her own words with as few interruptions as possible. Even if certain points appear unclear or irrelevant, you should not interrupt straightaway, but allow for sequences of events to be told as the interviewee understands them to have occurred. If clarifications are needed, review the interviewee’s account, asking questions requiring shorter answers and clarification of details. If an individual’s story appears unclear, contradictory, or inconsistent with what is already known, do not express disbelief about the person’s claims but try to find out why this is so. This should be done in a spirit of elucidation rather than scepticism in order to consolidate the relationship between the interviewer and the interviewee. Ask about unclear points in different ways, and, at different points in the interview, try to establish a clear chronology of the events using reference points. You may find it useful to use maps or to let the interviewee draw sketches of locations, uniforms, etc. It is also important to clarify which elements of the reported information the interviewee experienced or witnessed himself or herself, as well as how he or she found out any other information. Stay calm, and communicate calmness to the interviewee. Listen with an open mind, empathy, and without judgement or preconceived assumptions. Try to maintain eye contact with the interviewee throughout the interview and nod your head while listening. If an interviewee is very upset, he or she may speak almost non-stop for quite a long time. Try not to interrupt too soon. Emotional breakdowns should be anticipated and handled in a gentle manner. It may sometimes be necessary to take a break, offer something to drink, and talk about unrelated issues until the interviewee has regained his or her composure. It may also be necessary to interrupt the interview and continue on a later occasion, but, in this 63 6