Working with the media can provide a great opportunity to highlight the issue of trauma, but it also exposes you to risk if you have been a victim of violence and/or have experienced a mental illness and want to speak out. Following are some questions to consider before providing a media interview.

• What are your motivations for doing the interview?
• What do you hope to achieve by sharing your personal story?
• Are you willing to take your story public and to be quoted?

• What are the long- and short-term consequences to you of doing the interview?
• Have you considered the best and worst outcomes?
• Will it empower you or increase your anxiety? Could it jeopardize your security? Could the experience trigger PTSD or other symptoms?
• Will you need support and, if so, will you have it available during and after the interview?

• Could callers phone in or audience participants ask you questions during your interview that might be difficult for you to answer on the spot?
• Is the media outlet or station requesting the interview credible and fair? Does it have a good track record of treating victims with dignity and respect?
• Will the perpetrator/accused or defense attorney participate in the interview or story?