Rowan Digital Works

Reluctant Witnesses: Best Practices for Engaging Individuals in Challenging Title IX Investigations

Enterprise Center Room 506

Participating in a sexual misconduct or harassment investigation as a party or witness is difficult, and it often involves sharing information that is uncomfortable, personal, and triggering. Title IX and sexual misconduct investigations are rooted in interviews with those holding important knowledge of the events in question, but when interviewees are reluctant to speak or do not wish to be forthcoming, the investigative process suffers. This session provides guidance for gaining the participation of a reluctant party or witness, including making a good first impression, establishing rapport and trust, framing questions in order to obtain the right information, and communicating compassion and empathy while remaining fair. These techniques can help make an interviewee more comfortable both in the interview and with the process, and lead to deeper, more effective investigations. This session will consist of a visual presentation outlining best practices, as well as discussion and case studies based upon the presenters’ in depth investigative experience.