Victim-centered investigations come in several flavors, including "Start By Believing," FETI (Forensic Experiential Trauma Interview), and Trauma-Informed. Recently the DOJ Office for Victims of Crime sponsored a presentation on "Law Enforcement Response: Approaching Your Work with a Trauma–Informed Lens:" https://www.ovcttac.gov/expert-qa/ 

Maybe you thought the role of law enforcement was to impartially investigate crimes, apprehend suspects, and maintain law and order. WRONG.

According to presenter Marcus Bruning the main job of police is to avoid re-traumatizing the "victim." He advocated that reporting witnesses should be told:

• “What happened is not OK and not your fault. In no way, shape, or form are you responsible for what occurred;” and
• “My job as a police officer is to get you the help you need and make sure the person responsible is held accountable.”

Bruning went so far as to insist the main focus of courtroom testimony should be not on the facts of the incident --- rather the feelings of the “victim” before, during, and after the alleged incident. This provides the prosecutor, jury, and judge “an opportunity to experience a traumatic event with understanding and without blaming the victim,” Bruning proclaimed, apparently not realizing his total departure from the most basic principles of court procedure.

Here's Marcus Bruning's contact information:

• Email: marcusbruning@gmail.com
• Phone: (218) 232-3762
• Website: http://www.marcusbruning.com/

We're not going to tell you what to say to Mr. Bruning. But try to keep it polite.