Co-constructing Narrative Interviews: Listening to Practitioners Supporting Women Survivors of Sexual Violence

Abstract

This case study throws light on how to conduct narrative interviews on sensitive topics in qualitative research. It is based on research centering on interviews with women who counseled women survivors of violence. In particular, it compares and contrasts the insights yielded from a close reading of two interviews. These interviews were conducted with service providers supporting women survivors of violence. One is in the UK and the other in India. There is a commonality: their service users had suffered from violence and its repercussions. However, beyond that, as the case study reveals, there are considerable differences in their scope of work and interventions. Their position in the organization, interventions, understanding of how to support women, and the nature and scope of their work vary. Our relationship as interviewer-interviewee varies, and so does my background knowledge of and exposure to their work. This necessitates a difference in my stance and practice as an interviewer. The case analysis and interpretation reveal insights about interview technique, the interviewer’s mindfulness, the value of and techniques for rapport building, and paying attention to speech and silence.

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