Dealing With victims...victims rights act. 2002 Flashcards
Section 8
Victims and families should be given welfare, health, counselling, medical and legal assistance.
Section 7
Threat all people with compassion and courtesy and have respect for their dignity and privacy.
Section 11
Members of police, officers of court, and health and social services, should inform victims of programmes available to them
Section 12
PCDRO
O/C case should advise victims of Progress of the investigation Charges filed or action taken Date and place of proceedings Role of the victim as a witness Outcome of proceedings.
Section 51
Once exhibits are no longer required, they must be returned.
POL 1060
Police record of victim contact. a POL 1060 should be completed whenever there is a victim.
POL 1065
Is a victim register for more serious offences. To keep the victim notified with what’s happening with the offender.
Emotional reactions to victimisation
Numbness: being unable to feel anything
Disorientation:being confused
Immobilisation: being unable to actively deal with the situation.
Feeling of unreality: this can’t be happening!
Childlike dependence
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD is a serious psychological disorder. Symptoms are: Startled response Disturbed sleep Guilt Memory problems
Interviewing victims
What to do
Make the setting for the interview as safe, comfortable and private as possible
Introduce yourself and say why you are there
Keep the questions as simple as possible
Ask questions one at a time, to avoid further confusion
Allow the victim to save face if they make a mistake.
Victim interview
What not to do
Judge the victim Ask Qs that indicate the victims is to blame Say you know how they feel- you don't Overpower the interview Take a silence as a negative attitude
The recoil stage
Anger or rage Fear or terror Frustration Confusion Violation Great shifts
