DRU Library

Abstract: When people experience trauma, they go through a process that many professionals - as well as the individuals themselves - do not understand. For example, most of us were trained to believe that when an individual experiences a traumatic event, the brain records the majority of the details investigators need, or want to know, about the event: Who, What, Where, Why, When and How? Unfortunately, trying to collect information from a victim of a traumatic event in this way actually inhibits the accuracy of the details provided. This is because investigators typically question victims about peripheral information such as the suspect's description, i.e., height, weight, hair color, clothing worn, the time frame of the event, etc. Some victims are capable of providing this type of information in a limited fashion. However, the majority of trauma victims are not only unable to accurately provide this type of information, but when pressed to do so, they may inadvertently provide inaccurate information and details which in turn creates suspicion as well as inconsistencies. The Forensic Experiential Trauma Interview (FETI) is designed to change this. The technique draws on the best practices of child forensic interviews, critical incident stress management, and neuroscience - combining them into a simple three-pronged approach that unlocks the trauma experience in a way that we can better understand. Mr. Strand will discuss the history of victim interviews and the criminal justice system, the need for change, and an overview of the FETI in this first part of the series.