Dealing With Victims Flashcards
Section 7
Members of police, prosecutors, judicial officers, council, court officials and others dealing with victims should treat then with:
- courtesy, compassion, and respect for their personal dignity and privacy.
What is a victim?
- A person 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 a young person who falls within both of the above, unless the parent or guardian is the person charged.
- 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.
Section 8
Victims and their families should have access to welfare, health, counseling, medical and legal assistance responsive to their needs.
Section 11
Members of police, court, health and social services should inform victims at earliest opportunity of the programmed, services and remedies available to them.
Section 12 Supplying information
The prosecuting authority must advise the victims of the:
- progress of the investigation
- charges filed or action taken
- date & place of proceedings
- role of the victim as a witness
- outcome of proceedings
Section 51
A person’s property (other than property of defendant) held for evidential purposes must be returned as soon as practicable when it is no longer required.
What are the two stages of emotional reaction for a victim?
Stage 1 = impact stage
Stage 2 = recoil stage
What are 5 common emotional characteristics of the impact stage for a victim?
Numbness
Disorientation
Immobilisation
Feelings of unreality
Childlike dependence
What are some emotions present in the recoil stage for a victim?
Anger or rage
Fear or terror
Frustration
Confusion
Guilt or self-blame
Violation
Great shifts in mood
