What should be avoided when interviewing a child in a domestic situation?

When interviewing a child in a domestic situation, it is crucial to avoid using leading questions. Leading questions can suggest to the child what they should say or imply a specific answer, which can distort their recollection of events and potentially compromise the integrity of the information they provide. This can lead to misinformation and can influence the child's testimony in a way that does not accurately reflect their experiences or perspective.

Conducting interviews without leading questions allows children to express themselves freely and recount their experiences in their own words. It helps to create a more open and trusting environment, which is essential for obtaining accurate and reliable information, especially in sensitive situations. Properly structured questions that encourage open-ended responses facilitate a clearer understanding of the child's thoughts and feelings without imposing any preconceived notions.