In dual-arrest IPV incidents, how should professionals handle interviews?

• A. Do not assume guilt; ensure separate interviews with each party; assess safety; follow jurisdiction protocols; report concerns appropriately.
• B. Interview both parties together to speed up the process.
• C. Disregard safety planning in the interview process.
• D. Document concerns only if there is a visible injury.

Answer: (C)

In dual-arrest IPV incidents, the focus is on safety and accurate information gathering through separate interviews with each party. Interviewing the individuals separately helps prevent intimidation or coercion, allows each person to speak more freely, and gives the interviewer a clearer sense of risk factors, intent, and credibility. It also protects the safety of both individuals by avoiding the potentially dangerous dynamics that can arise when parties are interviewed together. Throughout, follow your agency or jurisdiction’s protocols for assessment and reporting, and integrate safety planning from the start—identify immediate risks, discuss protective steps, and provide referrals or resources as needed.

Disregarding safety planning during interviews is never appropriate; safety planning is a fundamental part of conducting IPV interviews and risk assessment. And injuries are not the sole indicator of concern—risk and need for intervention can exist even without visible injuries, so concerns should be documented and addressed based on overall risk, context, and behavior. Interview both parties separately, assess safety and risk, and document concerns comprehensively.