SAFER WHĀNAU:
FAMILY VIOLENCE VIDEO
STATEMENTS
1. Family Violence Video Statement – Pre Interview
Prior to commencing recording, you must gain consent to record video
statement. The victim needs to be aware of:
•
A - ACCESS: People will need to view the interview to prepare the case.
This may include: Police staff, court staff, the suspect’s lawyer & the
suspect (video will not be shared directly with the suspect) . Victims can
ask to view.
•
C - CLARIFICATION: If there is anything you wish to clarify or add later,
you can provide a further (written) statement.
•
C - COURT: Video may be used as evidence in court. Victim will still need
to be available to answer questions in court in person.
•
E - EXPLAIN: Explain the interview procedure to your victim.
•
S - STORAGE: Interview will be stored by Police in a secure facility – it wil
not remain on the phone.
•
S - SWITCH: Switch phone to ‘Flight Mode’ before starting the interview.
2. The Interview
Ensure you record the following:
1. STATE: Date/time/your full name. (Do not need location).
2. VICTIM: States their full name. (Do not need date of birth).
3. INTRODUCE: Camera operator/support person/interpreter.
•
Interpreter must promise to accurately and completely translate the words of the witness.
•
Interpreter / Support person must be clearly visible throughout the entire video recording.
4. RECONFIRM CONSENT (Victim must verbally respond to each
question):
a.
Earlier you agreed it was okay to record this on video and I
need to check that you are still okay with that?
Cont’d…

FAMILY VIOLENCE VIDEO STATEMENTS CONT’D…
b.
You are aware that (suspect) will be able to view the video?
c.
You are aware that this video record may be used as evidence
in court?
d.
You agree to this video being used as evidence in Court?
5. OBTAIN PROMISE: “What we record today could be used as
evidence in court, so it is important that you tell the truth. Do you
promise to tell the truth?”
6. OPENING QUESTION: Use ‘TEDS’ question (Tell/Explain/Describe/Show).
7. EXPLORE TOPIC AREAS: Introduce topic with a ‘TEDS’ question &
clarify detail using “5WH & How”.
8. CLARIFICATION: Ensure you obtain from victim:
a.
WHO: Confirm name of offender and relationship to the
victim.
b. INJURIES: Ask if the victim has suffered any. DO NOT record
these on video. Take photos after and upload.
c.
SCENE: Has anything been damaged or altered? Again,
photograph separately after the interview.
d. WITNESSES: Ask if anyone saw or heard the event. Confirm
names.
e. CHILDREN: Have they been exposed to this incident?
f.
ORDERS: Confirm existence and conditions of any orders
(Protection Orders etc).
3. Interview Closure
9. CLOSURE: “When we started talking, you promised to tell the truth
as this statement may be used in court. It is an offence to make a
statement that is known by you to be false or intended by you to
mislead. I need you to confirm that everything you told me today is
the truth.” (Answer).
10. STATE: End time from your watch.
V1.1 (March 2019)

Document Outline