Dealing with Victims

Question 0

What are the provisions of Section 7 of the Act?

Answer 0

• Treat victims with courtesy, compassion, and respect for their personal dignity and privacy.

Question 1

Describe who is a victim under the Victims Rights Act 2002?

Answer 1

• Victim includes
  (i) a person against whom an offence is by committed by another person.
  (ii) a person who, through, or by means of, an offence committed by another person, suffers a personal injury, or loss of, or damage to property.
  (iii) A parent or legal guardian of a child, or a young person who falls within (i) or (ii) - unless that parent or guardian is the person charged/convicted.
• Immediate Family
  A member of the victims immediate family, whanau or other culturally recognised family group who is in a close relationship with the victim at the time of the offence.

Question 2

What are the provisions of Section 8 of the Act?

Answer 2

• Victims and their families have access to welfare, health, counselling, medical and legal assistance responsive to their needs.

Question 3

What are the provisions of Section 11 of the Act?

Answer 3

• Personnel should inform victims of the programmes services and remedies available ASAP.

Question 4

What are the provisions of Section 12 of the Act?

Answer 4

-	Police must advise victims of:
			Progress of the investigation
			Charges filed or action taken
			Date and place of proceedings
			Role of victim as witnesses
			Outcome of proceedings

Question 5

What are the provisions of Section 51 of the Act?

Answer 5

• A persons property held for evidence must be returned as soon as practicable.

Question 6

What is the purpose of a POL1060?

Answer 6

• A POL1060 is a Police record of Victim Contact and ensures staff meet the requirements of the Victims Rights Act.

Question 7

What is 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 during the impact stage of victimisation?

Answer 8

• Numbness
• Disorientation
• Immobilisation
• Feelings of unreality
• Childlike dependence

Question 9

What are the most common emotional reactions experienced during the recoil stage of victimisation?

Answer 9

• Anger or Rage
• Fear or Terror
• Frustration
• Confusion
• Guilt or self-blame
• Violation
• Violent mood swings

Question 10

Define Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Answer 10

• PTSD is when victims re-experience events surrounding an offence.

Question 11

What are the main symptoms of PTSD?

Answer 11

• Jumpiness
• Disturbed sleep
• Guilt
• Memory problems
• Concentration problems
• Flashbacks
• Emotional distress
• Inability to re-enter normal activity

Question 12

What are some “Do’s” when interviewing victims?

Answer 12

• Setting for interview to be safe and comfortable.
• Introduce yourself
• Keep the questions simple
• Ask questions one at a time
• Use open questions

Question 13

What are some “Dont’s” when interviewing victims?

Answer 13

• Judge the victims conduct
• Overpower the interview
• Take silence as a negative attitude
• Say you know how they feel
• Force victims to tell details when they are reluctant to do so.