5. Protect the identity and safety of the victim or witness as well as the information documented. 6. Act with respect, professionalism and empathy towards others, always with their safety and security in mind. 7. Watch for signs of emotional distress or re-traumatization and stop, pause or postpone the interview/documentation exercise as required. 8. Refrain from collecting information from particularly vulnerable persons (traumatized victims or witnesses, particularly children and victims of sexual and gender-based violence showing signs of psychological trauma). 9. Avoid interaction with minors without the presence of their parent(s) or legal guardian, and leave interaction with traumatized children to professionals. 10.Take special precautions when working with victims or witnesses of sexual and gender-based violence. 11.Prevent harm to themselves and others by securing a crime scene from potential hazards before entering. 12.Plan and prepare adequately. Strategies to ensure that the do no harm principle is applied during the documentation process are embedded throughout the Handbook. 2.1.2 Informed Consent Observing the principle of informed consent is critical when gathering information about serious human rights violations, irrespective of the nature of the information obtained. All victims and witnesses must give their informed consent prior to being interviewed, externally examined, photographed, having their information recorded, being referred to any support services, or having their information and contact details shared with third parties. Furthermore, informed consent should be sought at every stage of interaction to make sure the person of interest is fully aware and accepts the consequences of each step of his/her own interaction with the unofficial investigator. After any information-gathering exercise the victim/witness must be asked if they still consent to the information being used or shared 23