II I N T E G R AT I N G A G E N D E R P E R S P E C T I V E I N T O H U M A N R I G H T S I N V E S T I G AT I O N S • G U I D A N C E A N D P R A C T I C E Practical Tool No. 3 Things to consider prior to/during interviews • Reflect on any possible prejudices and gender stereotypes, including one’s own biases that might interfere with or influence the investigative process and may increase the chance of overlooking important information. A common wrongful assumption, for example, is that men or elderly women cannot be victims of sexual violence. Another common assumption is that victims of sexual violence have suffered only this form of violence and may not be regarded as good sources of information for other types of violations. • Provide victims and witnesses with the choice of speaking to a female or male investigator and/or interpreter; avoid making assumptions regarding the victim’s preference. • Allow the story to unfold naturally and for the victim to use his/her own words. At a later stage of the interview, order the interview chronologically and return to points that need clarification. Be aware that, if the person being interviewed experienced trauma, it may affect their ability to coherently or fully recount an event. If it is appropriate, ask about GBV. • Remain attentive to the narrative of the victim or witness. Other violations/experiences might be relevant in addition to those that initially were the basis for the interview. For example, it might emerge during an interview that a source is a victim and survivor of GBV. • Be aware of challenges in an interview context, such as vague language and expressions used to indicate GBV, including sexual violence, as well as cultural taboos that may affect both the victim or witness and the interpreter. Be sensitive to any information provided during the interview that indicates this, such as gaps in the narrative and euphemisms used by the victim or witness when referring to the experience. Particular challenges present themselves when gathering information on sexual violence. The consequences of sexual violence have long-lasting effects on victims and survivors, who often continue to suffer from the medical, physical and psychological trauma and socioeconomic consequences of the violence. In addition, stigma associated with sexual violence creates further barriers to victims and survivors talking about the harm they experienced, preventing them from receiving medical and psychological support and claiming their rights, including redress. Moreover, while women and girls continue to be primarily affected by sexual violence, due to structural power imbalances in society, it has become increasingly visible that sexual violence also affects men and boys, with gender stereotypes also underlying their victimization. In communities with a strong patriarchal culture, women’s and girls’ experiences might be considered less significant and sexual violence against male victims may be highly stigmatized. Many victims who choose not to come forward do so in fear of shame, stigma, retaliation against themselves and their families, loss of privacy and/or possible prosecution, for instance where adultery or same-sex relations are criminalized. 32