“I Just Really Felt Like I Was Heard for the First Time”: Survivor Experiences With an Adult Forensic Interviewing Model

Violence Against Women. 2025 Sep 22:10778012251379426. doi: 10.1177/10778012251379426. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Adult forensic interviewing (AFI) collects evidence for the investigation and prosecution of interpersonal violence in a trauma-informed setting. The present study uses mixed methods evaluation data from an AFI program in the U.S. to assess survivors’ perceptions of safety and the utility of participating in these interviews. Most participants felt the process was beneficial to their personal lives and criminal justice system engagement by: (a) allowing them to share their stories in more detail, (b) supporting their healing journeys, and (c) helping them feel safer through resource referral. AFI is a promising practice that warrants continued research.

PMID:40982330 | DOI:10.1177/10778012251379426