However, be aware that these inconsistencies can be of an innocent nature, such as genuine mistakes, memory loss or contamination of memory by external influences. 53 Moreover, be mindful of whether the victim/witness belongs to the same ethnic, political or religious group as the alleged perpetrator, but refrain from drawing stereotypic conclusions about the victim/witness. 54 2.2.4 Training and Accountability of Team Members Unofficial investigators should have an appropriate level of skills and training to undertake documentation of serious human rights violations wherever possible. In particular, unofficial investigators should: • Ensure that all members of the team, including interviewers, interpreters, analysts and support staff are appropriately selected and vetted. • Ensure that all members of the team (including interpreters) are appropriately trained to document violations according to the basic standards as set out in this Handbook. • Improve as much as possible the team member’s ability to deal with victims of serious human rights violations and/or sexual and gender-based violence and/or minors, where relevant. • Where possible, train staff in dealing with trauma and the ways in which to recognize and respond to post-traumatic stress disorders and risks of suicide and self-harm. 55 • Ensure consistent and fair accountability for the actions of all team members, discuss with them clearly what is expected from them, and what consequences failure to meet these standards has for them. • Never jeopardize the safety of victims, witnesses or any other person with whom you come into contact. Where there is a conflict of interest between obtaining or preserving information and potential risk to a person’s well-being or safety, priority should always be given to the individual’s safety or well-being. 53 Ministry of Justice, Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings, Guidance on interviewing victims and witnesses, and guidance on using special measures, 50 (2011). 54 Ministry of Justice, Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings, Guidance on interviewing victims and witnesses, and guidance on using special measures, 56 (2011). 55 Foreign and Commonwealth Office, International Protocol on the Documentation and Investigation of Sexual Violence in Conflict, 29 (2014). 48