A confrontative interview for victims of intrafamilial sexual abuse: An alternative to an apology that reverses power differentials in a therapeutic way

Source: (1999) Paper presented at the Restoration for Victims of Crime Conference. Australian Institute of Criminology and Victims Referral and Assistance Service. Melbourne

In their work with victims of sexual abuse, Welfare and Miller use a confrontational interview technique developed in response to the feminist critique of family therapy in the area of sexual abuse. They use this technique in an attempt to redress issues of power and control in the victim-perpetrator relationship. To explain this technique the authors contrast it with an apology interview. They also summarize research (e.g., method and results) related to the confrontational interview technique. The paper concludes with cautions and critical recommendations by Welfare and Miller with respect to using this technique.