Milan tells how he was attacked by police as a child (QUALED-03-EN)

Several residents of the town suburbia and five police officers sit in a circle in a local community centre. They hold a meeting about increasing security of that part of the town. They are listening as Milan, a Roma man in his mid-forties recounts a tale of being hit by a police officer as a teenager while hanging out with his friends after school. He is telling this story with angry voice, but he is not looking directly at anyone, more like he is staring at a wall as if he would watch the film he is describing. As he finishes his story, he leans back, arms crossed, anger present, as if the beating had occurred yesterday.

An officer from across the room speaks. “I want to apologize for what happened to you.” The mid-forties man’s arms unfold, his frown loosens, and his eyes well up with tears.

The officer who apologized to the man should acknowledge his courage and vulnerability in sharing his story. He should also express his regret and remorse for what happened to him, and assure him that he and his colleagues do not condone or tolerate such violence and discrimination.

The officer should also ask the man if he wants to continue the conversation, and respect his choice. He should not pressure him to forgive or forget, or to move on from his trauma. He should also not make excuses or justify the actions of the abusive officer, or blame the man for his reaction.

The officer could also offer the man some resources or support that might be helpful for him, such as counseling, legal aid, or community groups. He could also follow up with him later to check on his well-being and see if he needs anything else.

The officer should also educate himself and his colleagues about trauma and its effects. He should learn about the history and culture of Roma people, and the challenges and discrimination they face. He should also promote a culture of respect and accountability in his department, and report any incidents of misconduct or abuse by other officers. Or he should propose to the police director to enrol them to such course.

Trauma-informed approach within any other investigation by police officers can help to prevent re-traumatization, by preparing victims for what to expect when their case is investigated and prosecuted.

QUALED