Unit 5

Question 1

The different needs of victims include:

Answer 1

1) Emotional needs:
Defusing, debrief, trauma therapy, etc.

2) Acknowledgement needs:
Of their loss or trauma and that their response is normal to an abnormal situation.

3) Practical needs:
Example, locks to be repaired, transport to the local clinic or police station.

4) Information needs:
About CJS and resources in the community to assist them in their period of crisis.

5) Need for understanding:
Not be blamed for / questioned on their involvement in the crime.
6)Need for contact with judicial process.

Question 2

Objectives of victim empowerment:

Answer 2

1) To reduce the psychological shock and trauma victims may suffer by providing emotional support and practical assistance immediately or shortly after the incident.

2) To identify symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and to refer victims to trauma counselling and other professional services where necessary.

3) To prevent or reduce secondary victimisation by the CJS by providing information on matters such as the status of the investigation, the functioning of the court system and the rights of the victims within it.

4) To prevent repeat victimisation by advising and guiding the individual towards a preventative lifestyle, and by creating awareness among the public of the risks of crime.

Question 2

1) Victim support
2) Empowerment =

Answer 2

1) Care for the immediate needs of the victim.
2) Care, active role in the CJS and preventing repeat victimisation

Question 3

2 models:
1. Care model =
2. Criminal justice model .

Answer 3

1) Focuses on immediate needs of the victim – victim support.
2) Wants to give victim a meaningful role to play in the CJS

Question 3

VEP:

Answer 3

1) Emphasises the importance of a victim-centred approach as well as restorative justice.
2) Aims to provide an integrated service to victims of crime and violence.

Question 4

Functions and responsibilities of NCPS

Answer 4

1) Handled by various government departments and the
Department of Social Development (DSD) is the lead department

Question 5

The Thuthuzela project

Answer 5

1) Led by the NPA’s sexual offences and community affairs unit, in partnership
with various donors, as a response to the urgent need for an integrated strategy for prevention, response and support for rape victims.

Question 6

Once they arrive at the TCC, the victim is ushered to a quiet, private space, and welcomed by the
site-coordinator:

Answer 6

1) A doctor is immediately summoned to conduct a medical examination.
2) The victim is then given information on the procedures to be performed.
The victim (patient) signs a consent form for medical examination and blood tests.
3) If the medical examination happens within 24 hours after the rape, the victim is offered the opportunity to take a bath or shower and to change into clean clothes.
4) After that, the investigating officer on call at the TCC takes the victim’s statement.
Thereafter, the victims receives medication and is given a follow-up date for further medical treatment, before being transported home.
5) According to Advocate Thoko Majokweni, Head of the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit
(SOCA), “This process ensures that service providers are available to a rape survivor in one location,
rather than her being shuttled around throughout the criminal justice system.”