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Employ Humor Judiciously
o A well-placed witticism may put some perspective on the crisis and ease
an otherwise tense situation, but traumatized people tend to become
very literal and concrete under stress, and well-meaning humor may be
mistaken for mocking or lack of serious concern.
o As with all such recommendations, use your judgment.
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Utilize Interpersonal Calming and Coping Techniques
o Never overlook the interpersonal power of a reassuring presence, both
verbally and physically.
o Project a model of composure for the victim to emulate.
o Eye contact should be neither a detached glance nor a fixed glare but
more of a concerned, connected gaze.
Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for the Security Sector
o It’s also useful to back up this plan with concrete suggestions for action.
You can say: “We’re going to move to a safe area, have the medics take
care of these cuts, then I’m going to ask you a couple of questions, if
that’s all right. After I’m done, I’m going to explain what happens next
in the police process and legal area, then I’ll give you a card with some
phone numbers of victim’s assistance agencies you can contact. I’m also
going to give you my card, and you can contact me at any time for any
reason. Do you understand? Do you have any questions?”
o Stand close enough to the victim to provide proximal contact comfort,
but don’t crowd or intimidate by invading the victim’s personal space.
o Use physical touch carefully. Sometimes a brief pat on the shoulder or
comforting grasp of the hand can be very reassuring, but it may frighten
a victim who has just been physically assaulted. Take your cue from
the victim.
INTERPERSONAL CALMING AND COPING TECHNIQUES
(The participants may take time to re-enact the following techniques to become
more familiar with them.)
TECHNIQUE #1: Therapeutic Hand-Clasp
It can be adapted to a regular handshake for both men and women, or a more
supportive handhold, usually for female victims.
For a subject who feels like, or looks like, they are losing control, ask that
person to squeeze your hand and mentally transfer the overwhelming
emotions into this physical activity:
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