CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML+RDFa 1.0//EN" "http://www.w3.org/MarkUp/DTD/xhtml-rdfa-1.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" version="XHTML+RDFa 1.0" dir="ltr" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" xmlns:foaf="http://xmlns.com/foaf/0.1/" xmlns:og="http://ogp.me/ns#" xmlns:rdfs="http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#" xmlns:sioc="http://rdfs.org/sioc/ns#" xmlns:sioct="http://rdfs.org/sioc/types#" xmlns:skos="http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#"> <head profile="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml/vocab">  <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-420351-1"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'UA-420351-1'); </script> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, maximum-scale=2"> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="3AWy7oWbT8S8VwP8Lferw5WzQvRR5Y46Oo8571jlWZ0" /> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="https://rainn.org/sites/default/files/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" /> <meta name="description" content="As journalists continue to cover stories related to sexual assault or abuse, it can be helpful to have a better understanding of how to interview survivors of these type of crimes." /> <meta name="keywords" content="how to interview survivors of sexual violence,how to interview rape victims,interview rape victims,interviewing rape survivors,newspaper interview rape survivor," /> <meta name="generator" content="Drupal 7 (http://drupal.org)" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://rainn.org/articles/tips-interviewing-survivors" /> <link rel="shortlink" href="https://rainn.org/node/2135" /> <title>Tips for Interviewing Survivors | RAINN</title> <style type="text/css" media="all"> @import url("https://rainn.org/modules/system/system.base.css?sqkgs6"); @import url("https://rainn.org/modules/system/system.menus.css?sqkgs6"); @import url("https://rainn.org/modules/system/system.messages.css?sqkgs6"); @import url("https://rainn.org/modules/system/system.theme.css?sqkgs6"); </style> <style type="text/css" media="all"> @import url("https://rainn.org/sites/all/modules/calendar/css/calendar_multiday.css?sqkgs6"); @import url("https://rainn.org/sites/all/modules/date/date_api/date.css?sqkgs6"); @import url("https://rainn.org/sites/all/modules/date/date_popup/themes/datepicker.1.7.css?sqkgs6"); @import url("https://rainn.org/modules/field/theme/field.css?sqkgs6"); @import url("https://rainn.org/sites/all/modules/logintoboggan/logintoboggan.css?sqkgs6"); @import url("https://rainn.org/modules/node/node.css?sqkgs6"); @import url("https://rainn.org/modules/search/search.css?sqkgs6"); @import url("https://rainn.org/modules/user/user.css?sqkgs6"); @import url("https://rainn.org/sites/all/modules/views/css/views.css?sqkgs6"); @import url("https://rainn.org/sites/all/modules/ckeditor/css/ckeditor.css?sqkgs6"); </style> <style type="text/css" media="all"> @import url("https://rainn.org/sites/all/modules/colorbox/styles/default/colorbox_style.css?sqkgs6"); @import url("https://rainn.org/sites/all/modules/ctools/css/ctools.css?sqkgs6"); @import url("https://rainn.org/sites/all/modules/video/css/video.css?sqkgs6"); </style> <style type="text/css" media="all"> @import url("https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/stylesheets/print.css?sqkgs6"); @import url("https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/stylesheets/screen.css?sqkgs6"); @import url("https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/stylesheets/style.css?sqkgs6"); @import url("https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/stylesheets/overrides.css?sqkgs6"); </style> <link href="//fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Montserrat:700|Source+Sans+Pro:700|Noto+Sans:400,400italic,700,700italic|Libre+Baskerville:400" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <link href="//fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Roboto:300,400,500,700,900&display=swap" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <link href="//cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/OwlCarousel2/2.3.4/assets/owl.carousel.min.css" rel="stylesheet"> <link href="//cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/lity/2.3.1/lity.min.css" rel="stylesheet"> <link href="/sites/all/themes/rainn/icons/material-icons.css" rel="stylesheet"> <script type="text/javascript" src="//ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/2.1.4/jquery.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> var $jq2 = jQuery.noConflict(); </script> <script src="https://code.jquery.com/jquery-3.3.1.slim.min.js" integrity="sha384-q8i/X+965DzO0rT7abK41JStQIAqVgRVzpbzo5smXKp4YfRvH+8abtTE1Pi6jizo" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <script src="//cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/OwlCarousel2/2.3.4/owl.carousel.min.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="//www.rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn-new/js/lity.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/popper.js/1.14.3/umd/popper.min.js" integrity="sha384-ZMP7rVo3mIykV+2+9J3UJ46jBk0WLaUAdn689aCwoqbBJiSnjAK/l8WvCWPIPm49" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <script src="https://stackpath.bootstrapcdn.com/bootstrap/4.1.3/js/bootstrap.min.js" integrity="sha384-ChfqqxuZUCnJSK3+MXmPNIyE6ZbWh2IMqE241rYiqJxyMiZ6OW/JmZQ5stwEULTy" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://stackpath.bootstrapcdn.com/bootstrap/4.1.3/css/bootstrap.min.css" integrity="sha384-MCw98/SFnGE8fJT3GXwEOngsV7Zt27NXFoaoApmYm81iuXoPkFOJwJ8ERdknLPMO" crossorigin="anonymous"> <script type="text/javascript" src="/sites/all/themes/rainn/js/jquery-3.6.0.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/sites/all/themes/rainn/slick/slick.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> var $jq3 = jQuery.noConflict(); </script> <link href="/sites/all/themes/rainn/slick/slick.css" rel="stylesheet"> <link href="/sites/all/themes/rainn/slick/slick-theme.css" rel="stylesheet"> <script type="text/javascript" src="//cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/js-polyfills/0.1.43/polyfill.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/js/01_cycle2.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/js/02_fitvids.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/js/carousel.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/js/checkbox.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://rainn.org/misc/jquery.js?v=1.4.4"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://rainn.org/misc/jquery.once.js?v=1.2"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://rainn.org/misc/drupal.js?sqkgs6"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/modules/behavior_weights/behavior_weights.js?sqkgs6"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/libraries/colorbox/jquery.colorbox-min.js?sqkgs6"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/modules/colorbox/js/colorbox.js?sqkgs6"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/modules/colorbox/styles/default/colorbox_style.js?sqkgs6"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/modules/video/js/video.js?sqkgs6"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> <![CDATA[//><!]]> </script>  <noscript><iframe src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-THW572" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript> <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= '//www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-THW572');</script> <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-MWDR5H7');</script>    <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/PhotoSwipe/dist/photoswipe.css">  <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/PhotoSwipe/dist/default-skin/default-skin.css">  <script src="https://www.rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/PhotoSwipe/dist/photoswipe.min.js"></script>  <script src="https://www.rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/PhotoSwipe/dist/photoswipe-ui-default.min.js"></script> </head> <body class="html not-front not-logged-in no-sidebars page-node page-node- page-node-2135 node-type-article" > <div id="skip-link"> <a href="#main-content" class="element-invisible element-focusable">Skip to main content</a> </div> <div id="page-wrapper"> <div id="page"> <div id="top-bar" class="text-white"> <div style="height: 100%; margin-left:auto;"> <div style="padding: 20px"><a style="color: white; padding:0" href="https://hotline.rainn.org/online">GET HELP 24/7:</a></div> <span> <a href="https://rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline">CALL 800.656.HOPE (4673)</a> <span style="color: black">|</span> <a href="https://hotline.rainn.org/online">LIVE CHAT</a> </span> <a style="text-decoration: none; height: 100%; padding: 0 30px;" class="text-white btn-success" href="http://donate.rainn.org">Donate</a> <a id="nav-link-search" class="nav-link-search" href="#"><svg xmlns:sketch="http://www.bohemiancoding.com/sketch/ns" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" version="1.1" x="0px" y="0px" viewBox="-49 77 448 448" style="enable-background:new -49 77 448 448;" xml:space="preserve" id="" class="icon-nav-menu replaced-svg"> <g> <path class="st0" d="M279.3,341.3L399,461c0,35.3-28.7,64-64,64L215.3,405.3c-26,15.1-56.1,23.7-88.3,23.7 c-97.2,0-176-78.8-176-176S29.8,77,127,77s176,78.8,176,176C303,285.2,294.4,315.3,279.3,341.3z M127,365c61.9,0,112-50.1,112-112 s-50.1-112-112-112S15,191.1,15,253S65.1,365,127,365z"></path> </g> </svg></a> </div> </div> <nav style="background-color: white !important" class="navbar navbar-expand-lg navbar-light bg-light"> <a class="navbar-brand" href="https://www.rainn.org/"> <img src="/sites/all/themes/rainn/RAINN_Logo_NoTagline.jpg"> </a> <button class="navbar-toggler" type="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#navbarSupportedContent" aria-controls="navbarSupportedContent" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Toggle navigation"> <span class="navbar-toggler-icon"></span> </button> <div class="collapse navbar-collapse" id="navbarSupportedContent"> <ul class="navbar-nav mr-auto"> <li class="nav-item"> <div class="dropdown show"> <a class="dropdown-toggle nav-link" href="#" id="dropdownSexualViolenceMenuLink" data-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" onclick="event.preventDefault()"> Sexual Violence </a> <div class="dropdown-menu" aria-labelledby="dropdownSexualViolenceMenuLink"> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/about-sexual-assault">Statistics</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/types-sexual-violence">Types of Sexual Violence</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/understanding-consent">Understanding Consent</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/after-sexual-assault">After Sexual Assault</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="https://apps.rainn.org/policy/">Laws in Your State</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/effects-sexual-violence">Effects of Sexual Violence</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/stories">Survivor Stories</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/safety-prevention">Safety & Prevention</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/warning-signs">Warning Signs</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/safety-parents">Safety for Parents</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/safety-students">Safety for Students</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/articles/your-role-preventing-sexual-assault">Bystander Intervention</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/news/grooming-know-warning-signs">Grooming Warning Signs</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/TALK">How to Offer Support</a> </div> </div> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <div class="dropdown show"> <a class="dropdown-toggle nav-link" href="#" id="dropdownHowToHelpMenuLink" data-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" onclick="event.preventDefault()"> How to Help </a> <div class="dropdown-menu split-columns" aria-labelledby="dropdownHowToHelpMenuLInk"> <a class="dropdown-item" href="https://donate.rainn.org/donate?_ga=2.159916601.560008677.1601912988-387805884.1578347795&_gac=1.254026172.1599236420.EAIaIQobChMI8NeJi9z05gIVzJ6zCh21ZQn8EAAYASAAEgKnyvD_BwE">Donate</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/monthly-giving-program?_ga=2.138356532.560008677.1601912988-387805884.1578347795&_gac=1.6613638.1599236420.EAIaIQobChMI8NeJi9z05gIVzJ6zCh21ZQn8EAAYASAAEgKnyvD_BwE">Donate Monthly</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/honor-someone?_ga=2.138356532.560008677.1601912988-387805884.1578347795&_gac=1.6613638.1599236420.EAIaIQobChMI8NeJi9z05gIVzJ6zCh21ZQn8EAAYASAAEgKnyvD_BwE">Honor Someone</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/fundraise-rainn">Give to a Fundraiser</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="https://store.rainn.org/">Shop for RAINN</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/make-planned-gift-rainn?_ga=2.167249594.560008677.1601912988-387805884.1578347795&_gac=1.48546706.1599236420.EAIaIQobChMI8NeJi9z05gIVzJ6zCh21ZQn8EAAYASAAEgKnyvD_BwE">Plan Your Legacy</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/contribute-through-donor-advised-funds?_ga=2.233688858.560008677.1601912988-387805884.1578347795&_gac=1.137505412.1599236420.EAIaIQobChMI8NeJi9z05gIVzJ6zCh21ZQn8EAAYASAAEgKnyvD_BwE">Donor-Advised Fund</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/donate-stock?_ga=2.167249594.560008677.1601912988-387805884.1578347795&_gac=1.48546706.1599236420.EAIaIQobChMI8NeJi9z05gIVzJ6zCh21ZQn8EAAYASAAEgKnyvD_BwE">Donate Stock</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/workplace-giving?_ga=2.138356532.560008677.1601912988-387805884.1578347795&_gac=1.6613638.1599236420.EAIaIQobChMI8NeJi9z05gIVzJ6zCh21ZQn8EAAYASAAEgKnyvD_BwE">Workplace Giving</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/cfc-campaign-state-and-federal-employees?_ga=2.233688858.560008677.1601912988-387805884.1578347795&_gac=1.137505412.1599236420.EAIaIQobChMI8NeJi9z05gIVzJ6zCh21ZQn8EAAYASAAEgKnyvD_BwE">Combined Federal Campaign</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/corporate-partners">Corporate Partnerships</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/public-policy-action">Take Political Action</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/volunteer">Volunteer</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/campaigns/spread-word-social-media">Spread the Word on Social Media</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/fundraise-rainn">Start a Fundraiser</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/student-activism">Student Activism</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/speakers-bureau">Tell Your Story</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/speakers-bureau">Join the Speakers Bureau</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/request-survivor">Request a Speaker</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/internships-rainn">Intern at RAINN</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/careers">Work at RAINN</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/joinus">Sign-up for News & Alerts</a> </div> </div> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <div class="dropdown show"> <a class="dropdown-toggle nav-link" href="#" id="dropdownPublicPolicyMenuLink" data-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" onclick="event.preventDefault()"> Public Policy </a> <div class="dropdown-menu" aria-labelledby="dropdownPublicPolicyMenuLink"> <a class="dropdown-item" href="https://apps.rainn.org/policy/?&_ga=2.142979189.1990838378.1604324855-387805884.1578347795#report-generator">Laws in Your State</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/public-policy-action">Action Center</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/policy-issues">Issues We Work on</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/africa-sexual-violence">Sexual Violence in 6 African Countries</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/campaign-protect-child-safety">Campaign to Protect Child Safety</a> </div> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <div class="dropdown show"> <a class="dropdown-toggle nav-link" href="#" id="dropdownPressCenterMenuLink" data-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" onclick="event.preventDefault()"> Press Center </a> <div class="dropdown-menu" aria-labelledby="dropdownPressCenterMenuLink"> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/news">News</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/statistics">Statistics</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/articles/tips-interviewing-survivors">Tips for Interviewing Survivors</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/articles/key-terms-and-phrases">Key Terms & Phrases</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/request-survivor">Request to Speak with a Survivor</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/PSAs">Public Service Announcements</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/materials">Materials</a> </div> </div> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <div class="dropdown show"> <a class="dropdown-toggle nav-link" href="#" id="dropdownMenuLinkConsultingAndTraining" data-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" onclick="event.preventDefault()"> Consulting & Training </a> <div class="dropdown-menu" aria-labelledby="dropdownMenuLinkConsultingAndTraining"> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/consulting-services#hotline">Hotline Services</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/consulting-services#consulting">Consulting</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/consulting-services#programs">Program Assessments</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/consulting-services#training">Education & Training</a> </div> </div> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <div class="dropdown show"> <a class="dropdown-toggle nav-link" href="#" id="dropdownMenuLinkAboutRAINN" data-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" onclick="event.preventDefault()"> About RAINN </a> <div class="dropdown-menu" aria-labelledby="dropdownMenuLinkAboutRAINN"> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/about-rainn">Mission</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/leadership-and-governance">Leadership & Governance</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/corporate-partners">Corporate Partners</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/careers">Work at RAINN</a> </div> </div> </li> <li class="top-bar-mobile nav-item"> <a class="nav-link" href="/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline">Call 800.656.HOPE</a> </li> <li class="top-bar-mobile nav-item"> <a class="nav-link" href="https://hotline.rainn.org/online/">Live Chat</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <div class="dropdown show"> <a class="dropdown-toggle nav-link" href="#" id="dropdownMenuLinkEnEspanol" data-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" onclick="event.preventDefault()"> En Español </a> <div class="dropdown-menu" aria-labelledby="dropdownMenuLinkEnEspanol"> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/es">Obtenga Ayuda</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/linea-de-ayuda-online-en-espanol">?Que es la Linea de Ayuda?</a> </div> </div> </li> </ul> <div id="nav-searchbar" class="search-dropdown" style="display:none;"> <form action="javascript:search()" id="search-block-form" accept-charset="UTF-8"> <input type="text" id="search_text" name="search" class="input-search" placeholder="Search RAINN"> </form> </div> </div> <script> function search() { var url="https://www.rainn.org/search/node/" + document.getElementById("search_text").value; window.location = url; return false; } $jq3('#nav-link-search').on('click', function() { $jq3('#nav-searchbar').detach().appendTo("nav.navbar").toggle().toggleClass('active'); $jq3('#nav-searchbar input[name="search"]').val('').focus(); }); </script> </nav> <div class="region region-header"> <div id="block-block-27" class="block block-block"> <div class="content"> <script></script> </div> </div> </div>  <script> function fbShare(url, title, descr, image, winWidth, winHeight) { var winTop = (screen.height / 2) - (winHeight / 2); var winLeft = (screen.width / 2) - (winWidth / 2); window.open('http://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?s=100&p[title]=' + title + '&p[summary]=' + descr + '&p[url]=' + url + '&p[images][0]=' + image, 'sharer', 'top=' + winTop + ',left=' + winLeft + ',toolbar=0,status=0,width=' + winWidth + ',height=' + winHeight); } </script> <script type="text/javascript" async defer src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" ></script> <script id="tumblr-js" async src="https://assets.tumblr.com/share-button.js"></script> <section id="main-wrapper" class="module padding-none table-row clearfix"> <div id="main" class="container-fluid clearfix" style="padding: 0;"> <div id="content" class="column clearfix"><div class="section"> <a id="main-content"></a> <div class="tabs details-container"></div> <div class="region region-content"> <div id="block-system-main" class="block block-system"> <div class="content"> <div id="node-2135" class="node node-article clearfix" about="/articles/tips-interviewing-survivors" typeof="sioc:Item foaf:Document"> <h1 class="title" id="page-title"> </h1> <span property="dc:title" content="Tips for Interviewing Survivors" class="rdf-meta element-hidden"></span> <div class="content clearfix"> <article> <h1 class="color-blue">Tips for Interviewing Survivors</h1> <div class="article-header"> <span class="article-date"></span> <ul class="article-share"> <li></li> <li><a class="button-social-share" href="javascript:fbShare('https://rainn.org/articles/tips-interviewing-survivors', 'Tips for Interviewing Survivors', 'Facebook share popup', '', 520, 350)"><img src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/img/icon_facebook.svg"></a></li> <li><a class="button-social-share" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://rainn.org/node/2135&text=Tips for Interviewing Survivors @RAINN&hashtags="><img src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/img/icon_twitter.svg"></a></li> <li><a data-pin-custom="true" style="cursor:pointer;" class="button-social-share" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/img/icon_pinterest.svg"></a></li> <li><a class="button-social-share" href="https://www.tumblr.com/share"><img src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/img/icon_tumblr.svg"></a></li> </ul> </div> <p><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><div style="margin-left:230px;"> </div> <p>Sexual violence appears in the news frequently. As journalists continue to cover stories related to sexual assault or abuse, it can be helpful to have a better understanding of how to interview survivors of these type of crimes. A thoughtful approach to the interview can help educate the public and support survivors in sharing their story.</p> <h2><strong>Before the interview: do your homework </strong></h2> <p>Prepare for the interview by reflecting on the goals of your story and the role the survivor will play in your interview.</p> <ul style="font-size:15px;"><li><strong>Is the survivor’s experience a good fit for your story?</strong> Can they provide the insight you need? For instance, if your story is about the backlog of untested rape kits, it would be helpful to speak to someone who has had a sexual assault forensic exam, often called a <a href="/articles/what-rape-kit">rape kit</a>.</li> <li><strong>Do you need an exclusive on the survivor’s story?</strong> Find out what restrictions you may have from your editor or publication. Has the survivor’s story been previously featured in local or national media?</li> <li><strong>Are there legal considerations?</strong> Does your media outlet require a report or conviction in the survivor’s case to feature their story? Does the survivor have any restrictions due to a pending criminal or civil trial?</li> <li><strong>Can the survivor remain anonymous?</strong> Many survivors are comfortable using their real name, while others may prefer to use a pseudonym or first name only. Ask the survivor if they have a preference and check with your newsroom’s policies on citing sources and anonymity.</li> </ul><h2><strong>At the start of the interview: set expectations</strong></h2> <p>By providing the survivor with insight into your process, you can help them feel more comfortable, which can lead to a more productive interview.</p> <ul style="font-size:15px;"><li><strong>Explain how the interview fits into the larger story.</strong> Fill the survivor in on their role in their story. Are they the main focus, or do you just need a brief soundbite?</li> <li><strong>Set a time frame. </strong>Give the survivor a realistic expectation of how long the interview will last. Is this an in-depth interview, or do you just need five minutes on the phone? Let the survivor know that they can take a break at any time, for any reason.</li> <li><strong>Provide an overview. </strong>Review the topics you’re interested in discussing at the start of the conversation. Are you focused on a specific aspect of the survivor’s experience? If possible, provide a few examples of the questions you may ask. If the interview is for TV, radio or podcast, explain to the survivor that you may ask the question a few different ways for the purpose of a soundbite.</li> <li><strong>Be upfront about editorial control.</strong> Does someone else from your team have editorial control? If it’s possible someone else could cut or take out parts of the interview, inform the survivor. Offer to share drafts of any edited quotes.</li> <li><strong>Talk about fact checking.</strong> Are there any steps in your editorial or review process that involve verification or fact checking? For instance, will you need to speak with the perpetrator, law enforcement, or other individuals who may be involved with the story? If so, let the survivor know before you start the interview. Be clear about these requirements up front, so they have an opportunity to decline if they are uncomfortable with the process.</li> </ul><h2><strong>During the interview: be respectful</strong></h2> <p>Sexual violence is a complicated topic to understand, and can be even more difficult to talk about. If you’re not sure how to address a particular aspect of the interview, ask first.</p> <ul style="font-size:15px;"><li><strong>Avoid generalizing.</strong> Some survivors may be hesitant to discuss certain aspects of their experience, while others may be more willing to share. Let the survivor share their story in their own words. While paraphrasing may be a helpful technique to understand the interviewee, it runs the risk of generalizing their experience.</li> <li><strong>Try not to make assumptions.</strong> Recognize that every survivor has had a different experience, and may be at different points in their healing process. Try not to assume something has already taken place, such as reporting to law enforcement, or that the survivor may feel a certain way.</li> <li><strong>“Victim” or “Survivor”? Ask your interviewee if they have a preference.</strong> For some, “victim” may be applicable to recent assault, while “survivor” may be more appropriate after a period of healing. Ultimately, it’s an individual preference.</li> <li><strong>Be mindful and respect boundaries.</strong> Ask if there is anything the survivor would prefer not to discuss. Let the survivor know that it’s OK if they don’t want to answer every question you ask.</li> </ul><h2><strong>At the end of the interview: show appreciation</strong></h2> <ul style="font-size:15px;"><li><strong>Thank the survivor for sharing their story.</strong> Phrases like “Thank you for sharing this with me — I can only imagine how difficult that must have been for you,” or “I’m sorry this happened to you,” can go a long way.</li> <li><strong>Avoid giving advice.</strong> It’s natural to try to give people solutions, especially if you have dealt with a similar situation. Keep in mind that survivors may have already taken action, or may not be looking for another solution. Instead of saying, “You should report,” or “You should find a therapist,” take a more supportive approach by asking, “Would you be interested in resources that may help with healing and recovery?”</li> <li><strong>Ask for additional input. </strong>Ask the survivor if there is anything else they would like to share with you. Some aspects of their experience might not have been addressed as a direct answer to your questions. Give the survivor the opportunity to share any additional information.</li> <li><strong>Discuss next steps.</strong> Follow up with the survivor to let them know when the story will run. Email a link if possible.</li> </ul><h2><strong>When you’re writing</strong></h2> <p>Stories about sexual violence have the potential to trigger difficult memories for someone affected by these crimes, or cause intense emotions for any reader.</p> <ul style="font-size:15px;"><li><strong>Provide resources.</strong> If you have the opportunity, please include a resource like the <strong>National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and <a href="http://online.rainn.org" target="_blank">online.rainn.org</a> y <a href="http://rainn.org/es">rainn.org/es</a></strong>) to connect your audience with the help they deserve. It could be as simple as adding the hotline to the bottom or side bar of your story, or to the chyron for broadcast.</li> <li><strong>Take care of yourself.</strong> It can be difficult to listen to survivor stories and to help those in need. <a href="/articles/self-care-friends-and-family">Practicing self-care</a> can help ease the stress that may come with helping others. Spend time with your own support system, such as loved ones or pets. Take time for the things you enjoy, such as photography, watching a funny movie, or running.</li> </ul><p>Questions? Send them to <a href="mailto:media@rainn.org">media@rainn.org</a> or 202.544.5537.</p> <p>Want to learn more about interviewing survivors? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5PBs9vIC4c" target="_blank">Watch this video</a> produced by Witness, an international organization that trains and supports people using video in their fight for human rights.</p> </div></div></div></p> </article> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-cta-blocks field-type-node-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="three-columns-grid"> <section class="module padding-none table-row"><div class="block-table-third"><div class="block-quote smaller cta-block"><a href="node/2135" class="quote-cta"> <span class="quote-text">It was a reality check for me as a parent. I would hope that my child would come to me and tell me what was going on.</span> <span class="quote-cite">Julianna, Survivor</span> </a></div></div><div class="block-table-third"><div class="block-stats smaller cta-block"><h2 class="color-blue">Eight out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone who knows the victim. </h2> <a href="statistics" class="button-cta blue-border">More Stats</a></div></div><div class="block-table-third"><div class="block-fundraiser smaller cta-block"><h2 class="color-white">Your next birthday can help survivors of sexual violence. </h2> <a href="fundraise-rainn" class="button-cta white-border">Get Started</a></div></div></section> </div> </div></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></div>  </div></section>  <section id="content-bottom" class="content-bottom module bkg-gray-light border-darkgray-top clearfix"> <div class="region region-content-bottom"> <div id="block-block-19" class="block block-block"> <div class="content"> <script> <![CDATA[// ><!]]> </script> </div> </div> <div id="block-block-34" class="block block-block"> <div class="content"> <style type="text/css">@media screen and (max-width:991px){ article iframe[src^="https://www.youtube.com"] { max-width: 100%; height: calc( calc(70vw - 7.5em) *.5625); } @media screen and (max-width:707px){ article iframe[src^="https://www.youtube.com"] { height: calc( calc(90vw - 7.5em) *.5625); } } </style> </div> </div> <div id="block-block-44" class="block block-block"> <div class="content"> <style> body.page-node-4 #top-issues-form .form-type-radio:nth-child(2), body.page-node-4 #top-issues-form .form-type-radio:nth-child(3),body.page-node-2957 #top-issues-form .form-type-radio:nth-child(2), body.page-node-2957 #top-issues-form .form-type-radio:nth-child(3) { display: none; } </style> </div> </div> <div id="block-block-58" class="block block-block"> <div class="content"> <style> ul.footer-sitemap li:nth-child(3){ display: none; } #dropdownMenuLinkEnEspanol + .dropdown-menu a.dropdown-item[href="/la-sala-de-ayuda"] { display: none; } a.dropdown-item[href^="/africa-sexual-violence"],a.dropdown-item[href^="/campaign-protect-child-safety"]{ display:none; } a.dropdown-item[href^="/monthly-giving-program"]{ display:none; } a#dropdownHowToHelpMenuLink + .dropdown-menu.split-columns a[href="/speakers-bureau"]:nth-child(18) { display: none; } a#dropdownHowToHelpMenuLink + .dropdown-menu a[href="/internships-rainn"],a#dropdownHowToHelpMenuLink + .dropdown-menu a[href="/careers"]{ display:none; } </style> <script type="text/javascript"> $jq3(document).ready( function(){ $jq3('#dropdownMenuLinkEnEspanol').text('En Español'); $jq3('a.dropdown-item[href="/leadership-and-governance"]').text('Leadership'); var theMonthlyDonateLink = $jq3('a.dropdown-item[href^="/monthly-giving-program"]'); if($jq3('#donate-with-crypto').length < 1){ $jq3(theMonthlyDonateLink).after('<a class="dropdown-item" id="donate-with-crypto" href="/make-crypto-contribution">Donate with Cryptocurrency</a>'); } if($jq3('#policy-updates-menu-item').length < 1){ $jq3('#dropdownPublicPolicyMenuLink + .dropdown-menu').append('<a class="dropdown-item" id="policy-updates-menu-item" href="/policy-updates">Policy Updates</a>'); } if($jq3('#es-noticias-link').length < 1){ $jq3('#dropdownMenuLinkEnEspanol+ .dropdown-menu').append('<a class="dropdown-item" href="/noticias" id="es-noticias-link">Noticias</a>'); } if($jq3('#es-lean-on-me').length < 1){ $jq3('#dropdownMenuLinkEnEspanol+ .dropdown-menu').append('<a class="dropdown-item" href="/apoyate-en-mi" id="es-lean-on-me">Apóyate en mí</a>'); } if($jq3('#es-saapm-link').length < 1){ $jq3('#dropdownMenuLinkEnEspanol+ .dropdown-menu').append('<a class="dropdown-item" href="/es/saapm" id="es-saapm-link">SAAPM</a>'); } // Mes de la Herencia Hispana if($jq3('#es-hhm-link').length < 1){ $jq3('#dropdownMenuLinkEnEspanol+ .dropdown-menu').append('<a class="dropdown-item" href="/es/hhm" id="es-hhm-link">Mes de la Herencia Hispana</a>'); } //fundraise fixes $jq3('#dropdownHowToHelpMenuLink + .dropdown-menu a.dropdown-item[href^="/fundraise-rainn"]').each( function(){ if($jq3(this).text() == 'Give to a Fundraiser'){ $jq3(this).text('Peer-to-peer Fundraising'); } else{ $jq3(this).hide(); } } ); //end fundraise fixes } ); </script> </div> </div> <div id="block-block-62" class="block block-block"> <div class="content"> <script type="text/javascript"> $jq3(document).ready( function(){ $jq3('a.dropdown-item[href^="https://store.rainn.org"]').attr('href','https://rainn.org/shopforsurvivors'); } ); </script> </div> </div> <div id="block-block-64" class="block block-block"> <div class="content"> <style type="text/css"> <![CDATA[/* ><!]]>*/ </style> </div> </div> <div id="block-block-73" class="block block-block"> <div class="content"> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(document).ready(function() { var theNewGuidestar = '<a href="https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/8767f28d-682a-4947-a616-c824f1b76db7" target="_blank"><img src="https://widgets.guidestar.org/TransparencySeal/7773045" style="width:135px;"/></a>'; var theNewCharityNavigator = '<li><a href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/521886511" target="_blank" ><img src="https://rainn.org/sites/default/files/Four-Star%20Rating%20Badge%20-%20Full%20Color.png?s163844d1695734877" alt="Charity Navigator Three-Star Rating" style="width: 135px;"/></a></li>'; var theNewCharityWatch = '<li><a href="https://www.charitywatch.org/top-rated-charities/human-rights" target="_blank" ><img src="https://rainn.org/sites/default/files/CharityWatch_Seal_RGB_WEB_hi-res.jpg" alt="Charity Watch Logo" style="width: 135px;"/></a></li>'; var theBbb = '<li><a href="https://give.org/charity-reviews/Human-Services/Rape,-Abuse-and-Incest-National-Network-in-Washington-dc-1509"><img src="https://rainn.org//sites/default/files/2023-AccreditedSeal-WEB-Vertical-White_0.png" style="width:77.5px;"/></a></li>'; jQuery("footer .footer-social li:last-child").html(theNewGuidestar); jQuery("footer .footer-social").append(theNewCharityNavigator); jQuery("footer .footer-social").append(theNewCharityWatch); jQuery("footer .footer-social").append(theBbb); }); </script> </div> </div> <div id="block-block-78" class="block block-block"> <div class="content"> <style> body.not-logged-in .field.field-name-field-page-type.field-type-list-text.field-label-above, body.not-logged-in .field.field-name-field-tags.field-type-taxonomy-term-reference.field-label-above{ display:none; } </style> </div> </div> <div id="block-block-90" class="block block-block"> <div class="content"> <style type="text/css"> <![CDATA[/* ><!]]>*/ </style><style type="text/css"> <![CDATA[/* ><!]]>*/ </style><style type="text/css"> <![CDATA[/* ><!]]>*/ </style><script> <![CDATA[// ><!]]> </script> </div> </div> </div> </section>  <footer> <div class="footer-top"> <div class="color-white text-center"><script> if($jq3('.dropdown-menu #training-education').length < 1){ $jq3('#dropdownMenuLinkConsultingAndTraining+ .dropdown-menu').append('<a class="dropdown-item" href="https://rainn.org/consulting-services/education-and-training" id="training-education">Training & Education</a>'); } if($jq3('.dropdown-menu #crisis-support-prevention-strategies').length < 1){ $jq3('#dropdownMenuLinkConsultingAndTraining+ .dropdown-menu').append('<a class="dropdown-item" href="https://rainn.org/consulting-services/Crisis-Support" id="crisis-support-prevention-strategies">Crisis Support & Prevention Strategies</a>'); } if($jq3('.dropdown-menu #entertainment-industry-support').length < 1){ $jq3('#dropdownMenuLinkConsultingAndTraining+ .dropdown-menu').append('<a class="dropdown-item" href="https://rainn.org/consulting-services/entertainment-industry-support" id="entertainment-industry-support">Entertainment Industry Support</a>'); } if($jq3('.dropdown-menu #client-branded-hotlines').length < 1){ $jq3('#dropdownMenuLinkConsultingAndTraining+ .dropdown-menu').append('<a class="dropdown-item" href="https://rainn.org/consulting-services/client-branded-hotlines" id="client-branded-hotlines">Client Branded Hotlines</a>'); } $jq3('#dropdownPublicPolicyMenuLink + .dropdown-menu a:nth-child(2)').attr('href','https://apps.rainn.org/policy/?&_ga=2.150097270.134379186.1740079332-1887380526.1740079332'); </script> <style type="text/css">a#dropdownMenuLinkConsultingAndTraining+.dropdown-menu a#training-education, a#dropdownMenuLinkConsultingAndTraining+.dropdown-menu a#crisis-support-prevention-strategies, a#dropdownMenuLinkConsultingAndTraining+.dropdown-menu a#entertainment-industry-support, a#dropdownMenuLinkConsultingAndTraining+.dropdown-menu a#client-branded-hotlines{ display:block !important; } div#edit-field-category-tid-173 ,a#es-noticias-link, nav a[href="/stories"], nav a[href="https://rainn.org/shopforsurvivors"], nav a[href="/request-survivor"] , nav a[href="/speakers-bureau"], a[href="/request-survivor"]{ display: none; } </style> </div> <div class="footer-signup"> <h6 class="color-blue-lightest">Get RAINN Updates:</h6> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> <link rel='preload' href='https://d3rse9xjbp8270.cloudfront.net/at.js' as='script' crossorigin='anonymous'> <link rel='preload' href='https://d3rse9xjbp8270.cloudfront.net/at.min.css' as='style'> <script type='text/javascript' src='https://d3rse9xjbp8270.cloudfront.net/at.js' crossorigin='anonymous'></script> <div class="ngp-form" data-form-url="https://secure.everyaction.com/v1/Forms/EvTSXksXzkyXCPaQxNRRQQ2" data-fastaction-endpoint="https://fastaction.ngpvan.com" data-inline-errors="true" data-fastaction-nologin="true" data-databag-endpoint="https://profile.ngpvan.com" data-databag="everybody" data-mobile-autofocus="false"> </div> <style> /* new footer form changes*/ div#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-UpdateMyProfile label{ font-size:14px !important; } footer .at-row>[class^="at-"]{ margin-left:0px; } footer .ngp-form label { font-size: 0px; margin: 0px; color: #0b2f4f; } footer .ngp-form label input { font-size: 17.6px !important; } footer .ngp-form input{ padding: 0 0.75em; height: 2.5em; color:#333333 !important; } footer .ngp-form .error input{ color:red !important; } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-FirstName { margin-right: 10px !important; margin-bottom: 1.5em; } footer .ngp-form header, footer .ngp-form legend.at-legend{ display:none; } footer .updateMyProfileSection label,footer .ngp-form input.at-submit { color: white !important; } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-LastName, footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-EmailAddress{ margin-right:0px; } footer .ngp-form label input{ font-size:1em; border: 1px solid #60a8d3; border-radius:0.35em 0.35em 0.35em 0.35em !important; height:2.5em !important; padding-left:12px !important; padding-right:12px !important; font-family: 'Noto Sans', sans-serif !IMPORTANT; } footer .ngp-form .at-fieldset{ padding:0px; } footer .ngp-form .at-inner{ background:transparent; } footer .at-form-submit.clearfix { position: absolute; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; } footer .ngp-form { display: block; float: none; clear: both; width: 85%; margin-left: 0px; max-width:100%; padding-bottom: 25px; } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-FirstName input{ background-color:white !important; background-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="12px" y="65%" font-size="17.6" font-family="Noto Sans, sans-serif" fill="%23959595">First Name</text></svg>'); background-repeat: no-repeat; margin-bottom: 1.5em; } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-FirstName.error input{ background-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="12px" y="65%" font-size="17.6" font-family="Noto Sans, sans-serif" fill="%23ffa8a8">First Name</text></svg>'); } footer label.FirstName.error input, footer label.LastName.error input { margin-bottom: 0px !important; } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-LastName input { background-color:white !important; background-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="12px" y="65%" font-size="17.6" font-family="Noto Sans, sans-serif" fill="%23959595">Last Name</text></svg>'); background-repeat: no-repeat; margin-bottom: 1.5em; } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-LastName.error input { background-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="12px" y="65%" font-size="17.6" font-family="Noto Sans, sans-serif" fill="%23ffa8a8">Last Name</text></svg>'); } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-FirstName input:valid, footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-FirstName input:focus, footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-LastName input:valid, footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-LastName input:focus{ background-image:none !important; background-repeat:no-repeat; background:white !important; } .at-row.at-row-solo.at-row-full.UpdateMyProfile.at-mode-person-only { position: absolute; bottom:0px; } footer input[type="email"]::placeholder { color: #878787 !important; font-size: 17.6px; font-family: 'Noto Sans'; padding-left: 0px; } footer .error input[type="email"]::placeholder { color: #ffa8a8 !important; } /*fix submit button*/ footer .at .btn-at-primary:hover, .at .hover.btn-at-primary{ background:none !important; } footer .at-form-submit .at-submit { margin: 0px; display: block; float: none; background: none; height: 100%; width: 100%; padding: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 17.6px; font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-EmailAddress{ display:block; overflow:visible; } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-EmailAddress small.error, footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-EmailAddress small.didYouMean.info{ position:absolute; top:45px; margin-top:0px !important; } footer .at input[type="email"]{ margin-bottom:55px; } footer .at-form-submit.clearfix { position: absolute; bottom: 55px; right: 0px; width: 35%; display: block; background: #60a8d3; font-weight: bold; font-size: 17.6px !important; height: 2.5em; border-radius: 0px 0.35em 0.35em 0px; /* border: 1px solid blue; */ } @media screen and (max-width:1400px){ footer .ngp-form label input, footer .at-form-submit .at-submit, footer .at-form-submit.clearfix,footer input[type="email"]::placeholder{ font-size:16px !important; padding-top:0px !important; padding-bottom:0px !important; } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-FirstName input{ background-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="12px" y="65%" font-size="16" font-family="Noto Sans, sans-serif" fill="%23959595">First Name</text></svg>'); } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-LastName input { background-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="12px" y="65%" font-size="16" font-family="Noto Sans, sans-serif" fill="%23959595">Last Name</text></svg>'); } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-FirstName.error input{ background-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="12px" y="65%" font-size="16" font-family="Noto Sans, sans-serif" fill="%23ffa8a8">First Name</text></svg>'); } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-LastName.error input { background-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="12px" y="65%" font-size="16" font-family="Noto Sans, sans-serif" fill="%23ffa8a8">Last Name</text></svg>'); } } @media screen and (max-width:1125px){ footer .ngp-form label input, footer .at-form-submit .at-submit, footer .at-form-submit.clearfix,footer input[type="email"]::placeholder{ font-size:13.25px !important; } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-FirstName input{ background-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="12px" y="65%" font-size="13.25" font-family="Noto Sans, sans-serif" fill="%23959595">First Name</text></svg>'); } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-LastName input { background-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="12px" y="65%" font-size="13.25" font-family="Noto Sans, sans-serif" fill="%23959595">Last Name</text></svg>'); } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-FirstName.error input{ background-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="12px" y="65%" font-size="13.25" font-family="Noto Sans, sans-serif" fill="%23ffa8a8">First Name</text></svg>'); } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-LastName.error input { background-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="12px" y="65%" font-size="13.25" font-family="Noto Sans, sans-serif" fill="%23ffa8a8">Last Name</text></svg>'); } } @media screen and (max-width:1024px){ footer .at-row.FirstName.LastName { flex-basis:50% !important; -webkit-flex-basis:50% !important; min-width:0px; flex:1; } .at-row.FirstName.LastName label { flex: 1 .5 !important; min-width: 0px !important; } } @media screen and (max-width:921px){ footer .ngp-form label input, footer .at-form-submit .at-submit, footer .at-form-submit.clearfix,footer input[type="email"]::placeholder{ font-size:12px !important; } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-FirstName input{ background-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="12px" y="65%" font-size="12" font-family="Noto Sans, sans-serif" fill="%23959595">First Name</text></svg>'); } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-LastName input { background-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="12px" y="65%" font-size="12" font-family="Noto Sans, sans-serif" fill="%23959595">Last Name</text></svg>'); } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-FirstName.error input{ background-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="12px" y="65%" font-size="12" font-family="Noto Sans, sans-serif" fill="%23ffa8a8">First Name</text></svg>'); } footer label#NVSignupForm1175262-ContactInformation-LastName.error input { background-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="12px" y="65%" font-size="12" font-family="Noto Sans, sans-serif" fill="%23ffa8a8">Last Name</text></svg>'); } } </style> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> $jq3(document).ready(function(){ $jq3('#emailNewsletter').submit(function (event) { event.preventDefault(); grecaptcha.execute($jq3('#newsletterRecaptcha').attr('data-widget-id')); }) }) function onSubmit(token) { document.getElementById("emailNewsletter").submit(); }; </script> <ul class="footer-sitemap"> <li><a href="/contact-us">Contact</a></li> <li><a href="/press">Press</a></li> <li><a href="/leadership-and-governance">Leadership</a></li> <li><a href="/statistics">Statistics</a></li> <li><a href="/careers">Jobs</a></li> <li><a href="/news">News</a></li> <li><a href="/get-involved">Volunteer</a></li> <li><a href="/action-center">Take Action</a></li> <li><a href="/about-rainn">About RAINN</a></li> </ul> <ul class="footer-social"> <li><a target="_blank" class="button-social" href="https://facebook.com/rainn01"><img src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/img/icon_facebook.svg"></a></li> <li><a target="_blank" class="button-social" href="https://twitter.com/rainn"><img src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/img/icon_twitter.svg"></a></li> <li><a target="_blank" class="button-social" href="https://www.instagram.com/rainn"><img src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/img/glyph-logo_May2016.svg"></a></li> <li><a target="_blank" class="button-social" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/RAINN01"><img src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/img/icon_youtube.svg"></a></li> <li><a class="button-cta green-fill" href="https://donate.rainn.org">Support RAINN with a donation today.</a></li> <li><img src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/img/GuideStar.png"></li> </ul> </div> <ul class="footer-bottom"> <li>© RAINN <script>document.write(new Date().getFullYear())</script></li> <li><a href="/online-privacy-policy">Privacy Policy</a></li> <li><a href="/federal-funding-disclaimer">Federal Funding Disclaimer</a></li> <li><a href="/legal-disclosures">Legal Disclosures</a></li> <li><a href="/donation-faqs">Donation FAQs</a></li> <li><a href="/financial-breakdown">Financials</a></li> </ul> </footer> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://rainn.org/sites/all/themes/rainn/js/footer.js?v=1.0.1"></script>  <div class="pswp" tabindex="-1" role="dialog" aria-hidden="true">  <div class="pswp__bg"></div>  <div class="pswp__scroll-wrap">  <div class="pswp__container"> <div class="pswp__item"></div> <div class="pswp__item"></div> <div class="pswp__item"></div> </div>  <div class="pswp__ui pswp__ui--hidden"> <div class="pswp__top-bar">  <div class="pswp__counter"></div> <button class="pswp__button pswp__button--close" title="Close (Esc)"></button> <button class="pswp__button pswp__button--share" title="Share"></button> <button class="pswp__button pswp__button--fs" title="Toggle fullscreen"></button> <button class="pswp__button pswp__button--zoom" title="Zoom in/out"></button>   <div class="pswp__preloader"> <div class="pswp__preloader__icn"> <div class="pswp__preloader__cut"> <div class="pswp__preloader__donut"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pswp__share-modal pswp__share-modal--hidden pswp__single-tap"> <div class="pswp__share-tooltip"></div> </div> <button class="pswp__button pswp__button--arrow--left" title="Previous (arrow left)"> </button> <button class="pswp__button pswp__button--arrow--right" title="Next (arrow right)"> </button> <div class="pswp__caption"> <div class="pswp__caption__center"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> piAId = '700033'; piCId = '1106'; piHostname = 'pi.pardot.com'; (function() { function async_load(){ var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://pi' : 'http://cdn') + '.pardot.com/pd.js'; var c = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; c.parentNode.insertBefore(s, c); } if(window.attachEvent) { window.attachEvent('onload', async_load); } else { window.addEventListener('load', async_load, false); } })(); </script> </body> </html>