Innovative methods of documenting memory evidence from victim-survivors of gender-based violence – a case study in Kenya

Stevens, Laura May ORCID: 0000-0002-4968-6854 (2025). Innovative methods of documenting memory evidence from victim-survivors of gender-based violence – a case study in Kenya. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis aimed to explore innovative methods of documenting memory evidence from victim-survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), including the use of digital technologies, training non-police first responders (e.g., community actors), and using a behaviourally informed interview technique. Chapter 1 introduces the rationale of this thesis, as well as our collaborator, the Wangu Kanja Foundation (WKF), who co-designed this thesis.

Chapter 2 presents a scoping review synthesising empirical literature on interviewing adult victim-survivors of sexual assault. Overall, 12 research articles met our inclusion criteria which highlights the lack of research in this area and the novelty of this thesis.

Chapter 3 presents a systematic review of digital technologies (GBVxTech) that are used globally to document cases of GBV. The systematic review explored whether these platforms use evidence-based interview principles. GBVxTech platforms use some interview best-practice (e.g., not using leading questions). However, there is still much improvement to be made (e.g., using more open responding methods). Additionally, around half of the platforms we reviewed did not provide security measures (e.g., password protection), placing victim-survivors at substantial risk. We offer recommendations to improve the memory documentation procedure and to promote the safety of the victim-survivor.

Further, Chapter 4 investigates the use of an online documentation tool in obtaining an immediate disclosure from participants, and whether this first recall attempt preserves memory accuracy over time. The online documentation tools we investigated were co-designed with the WKF, including a mobile phone application called SV_Case Study (hereafter referred to as MobApp), and a behaviourally informed version (hereafter MobApp+). Participants with an initial recall attempt (MobApp(+)) had a higher recall accuracy rate after one week, in comparison to participants with no initial recall attempt. Furthermore, the addition of behaviourally informed questions did not increase the number of incorrect details recalled. These findings are promising for using online documentation tools and behaviourally informed questions when interviewing victim-survivors.

In addition to GBVxTech, victim-survivors are reporting their cases to non-police first responders. Chapter 5 evaluates our innovative interview training programme conducted with non-police first responders to GBV in Kenya. We found that participant’s knowledge of interview best-practice increased post-training. Additionally, participants' ability to provide ground rules instructions and utilise rapport-building techniques improved after receiving the training. The training did not increase the number of open questions participants posed. Overall, this is a promising first investigation into training community actors to document initial disclosures of GBV.

Chapter 6 presents the results of a randomised control trial exploring the differences in the number of details recorded using the standard WKF intake form (same questions as MobApp) or a behaviourally informed documentation form. We found that interviewers recorded more information overall from survivors when using the behaviourally informed documentation tool compared to the standard WKF intake form, as well as behaviourally informed details. Additionally, interviewers recorded more details from survivors after receiving our innovative training package. Overall, the combination of interview training and the behaviourally informed documentation form was beneficial in recording more information from survivors that may benefit criminal justice proceedings. Finally, in Chapter 7, we discuss our key findings in the context of the wider literature, provide an overview of the strengths and limitations of the research, as well as implications and recommendations for future research and practice.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):