This paper is intended for teachers, faculty instructors, and clinical supervisors whose trainees are evaluating and treating refugee patients. It addresses special issues in the diagnostic and therapeutic interviewing of refugee patients who have experienced various types of physical violence and victimization. After a brief introduction, a background section reviews the variety of contexts in which refugees may have been subjected to physical violence, including the "official" violence of torture and prison camps, and the unofficial, random violence of war zones or resettlement camps. The importance of the source of the violence is emphasized; it is easier to dissociate oneself from the violence of a despised other group than from violence perpetrated by one's own nationality, race, culture, or neighbors. It is noted that refugees may even have been forced to perpetrate violence on others, in order to survive, or they may feel responsible for the deaths or losses of others. Case histories are cited to illustrate these points, and the diagnostic purpose of interviews is highlighted in relation to such personal experiences. The remaining sections discuss the process of the interview and preparation for working with refugees, including the basic knowledge and skills required. (TE)