Dealing with Victims

Question 1

Describe who is a victim under the Victims Rights Act 2002

Answer 1

A person against whom an offence is committed by another person
A person who, through, or by means of, an offence committed by another person, suffers physical injury, or loss of or damage to property.
A parent or legal guardian of a child, or of a young person who falls within the above two - unless that parent or guardian is the person charged/convicted
A member of the immediate family of a person who, as a result of an offence committed by another person, dies or is incapable, unless that family member is the person charged/convicted.

Question 2

What are the provisions of Section 7 of the Victim Rights Act 2002

Answer 2

Members of the police, prosecutors, judicial officers, counsel, court officials and others dealing with victims should treat them with:
Courtesy, compassion, and respect for the personal dignity and privacy.

Question 3

What are the provisions of Section 8 of the Victim Rights Act 2002

Answer 3

Victims and where needed, their families should have access to service agencies

Question 4

What are the provisions of Section 11 of the Victim Rights Act 2002

Answer 4

Victims should be told about service agencies available

Question 5

What are the provisions of Section 12 of the Victims Rights Act 2002 (A-DROP)

Answer 5

The prosecuting authority must advise the victims of A-DROP
A-Action taken or charges filed
D-Date and place of proceedings
R-Role of the victim as a witness
O-Outcome of proceedings
P-Progress of the investigation

Question 6

What are the provisions of Section 51 of the Victims Rights Act 2002

Answer 6

A persons property held for evidential purposes must be returned as soon as practicable when it is no longer required as evidence.

Question 7

State the golden rule when dealing with victims

Answer 7

TREAT VICTIMS AS YOU WOULD EXPECT TO BE TREATED YOURSELF

Question 8

What are the most common emotional reactions experienced by victims?

Answer 8

Numbness
Disorientation
Immobilization
Feelings of Unreality
Child-Like Dependence

Question 9

Define post traumatic stress disorder

Answer 9

It is a serious psychological disorder in which the victim repeatedly re-experiences the events surrounding the offence.