Dealing with Victims

Question 1

Purpose of the Victims’ Rights Act 2002

Answer 1

The act is designed to look after the interests of victims and to see that their needs are met

Question 2

Definition of Victim

Answer 2

(I) a person against whom an offence is committed by another person
(II) a person who through an offence committed by another person suffers physical injury or loss/damage to property
(III) a parent or legal guardian of a child or young person who falls within (I) or (II) unless that person is the one charged/convicted
(IV) 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 person is the one charged/convicted

Question 3

Section 7 - Victims Rights Act 2002

Answer 3

Members of the police dealing with victims should treat them with courtesy, compassion and respect for their personal dignity and privacy

Question 4

Section 8 - Victims Rights Act 2002

Answer 4

Victims and where needed, their families should have access to welfare, health, counselling, medical and legal assistance responsive to their needs

Question 5

Section 11 - Victims Rights Act 2002

Answer 5

Members of police should inform victims at the earliest opportunity, of the services available to them

Question 6

Section 12 - Victims Rights Act 2002

Answer 6

P - progress of the investigation
C - charges filed or actions taken
D - date and place of proceedings
R - role of the victim as a witness
O - outcome of proceedings

Question 7

Section 51 - Victims Rights Act 2002

Answer 7

A person’s property held for evidential purposes must be returned as soon as practicable when it is no longer required as evidence

Question 8

The Golden Rule

Answer 8

Treat victims as you would expect to be treated yourself

Question 9

Section 79 - Evidence Act 2006

Answer 9

When any witness is giving evidence in a criminal proceeding they are entitled to have a support person near them

Question 10

POL 1060 Form

Answer 10

The Police Record Of Victim Contact form has been designed to ensure that police staff meet the requirements of the Victims Rights Act 2002. It leads you through these requirements. It records police contact with the victim and can be used to confirm that you have met your obligations

Question 11

Victim Notification System - POL 1065

Answer 11

In cases of sexual violation, serious assault, serious injury or death, or where the victim is rendered incapable or holds fears on reasonable grounds for their safety or security, the victim can apply to be notified of the release, escape, death, or discharge of the defendant and offenders who are in custody

Question 12

Stages of Emotional Reaction

Answer 12

• Impact Stage

- Recoil Stage

Question 13

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Answer 13

PTSD is a psychological disorder in which the victim repeatedly re-experiences the events surrounding the offence

The main symptoms are:

• jumpiness
• flashbacks
• concentration problems
• memory problems

Question 14

Interviewing Victims Do’s

Answer 14

• make the setting for the interview as safe, comfortable and private as possible
• introduce yourself and say why you are there
• hold the interview as soon as possible after the offence
• keep questions as simple as possible
• ask questions one at a time to avoid confusion

Question 15

Interviewing Victims Dont’s

Answer 15

• judge the victims conduct or feelings
• ask questions that indicate the victim is to blame
• tell the victim that “all is right”
• say you know how they feel
• touch or hold victims unless they show signs that they welcome this