Integrating the Issue of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Detention Monitoring When responding to specific reports of abuse, monitors should first ask if it is OK to ask more questions. They should avoid asking for specific details about the abuse unless the person volunteers this information. Monitors should also ask if and how they can use the information. If a person is uncomfortable talking about the abuse itself, monitors can focus on the basic facts and any follow-up action (e.g., did the person make a complaint, how did the authorities respond, have they been able to see a doctor since the abuse, have they been able to talk to anyone about it?). They should make it clear that the interviewee can let them know at any time if they do not want to answer any more questions. In order to ensure an effective investigation into reports of abuse, monitors should also establish: - The exact date and place of the reported abuse; - The person responsible for the abuse; - The circumstances of the abuse; and - Any witnesses to the acts If there are any medical professionals in the monitoring team, they may also document any physical or psychological evidence of the abuse. More information about specific questions to ask about follow-up actions, including on complaints mechanisms and healthcare, are included below, in Section 9, on monitoring efforts to prevent and respond to SGBV. 6.5 Information from Former Detainees/Prisoners, Family Members and Other Stakeholders Monitors should consider interviewing former detainees/prisoners as part of their research. This will be particularly helpful for research into places of deprivation of liberty where detainees/prisoners are too fearful to talk, or where it is not possible to conduct fully confidential interviews. These interviews can also be useful if monitors need to confirm patterns of abuse or obtain more details about particular incidents. Former detainees/prisoners who were the perpetrators of abuse might also be more willing to talk about their actions once they are no longer detained. Interviewing former detainees/prisoners also allows monitors to follow up more easily in terms of referring a case, if appropriate, and facilitating the provision of any med- 31