In the context of sexual assault investigations, what does the minimal facts interview refer to?

• A. A lengthy interview to gather all information
• B. A brief interview to gather only essential information from the victim
• C. An interview to coach the victim on how to respond
• D. A deposition before charges

Answer: (B)

The minimal facts interview is a short, focused conversation designed to obtain only the essential information needed to identify what happened and decide next steps. It aims to gather basic details—who was involved, what happened, when and where it occurred, and how the incident unfolded—without turning into a lengthy interview that could be retraumatizing for the victim. This approach prioritizes safety, consent, and respect for the victim while collecting enough information to determine if a more in-depth investigation is needed.