Victims

Question 1

What is the definition of a Victim?

Answer 1

Victims Rights Act 2002

Under the act a victim includes:

A person against whom an offence is committed

A person who through or by means of an offence committed by another person, suffers physical injury, or loss/damage to property.

A parent or legal guardian

A member of the immediate family.

Question 2

Victims Rights Act 2002

Section 7

Answer 2

Section 7 – CCR to Victims

Police must show courtesy, compassion & respect for the victim’s dignity and privacy.

Question 3

Victims Rights Act 2002

Section 8

Answer 3

Section 8 – Access

Victims and families should have access to welfare, health, counselling & other services.

Question 4

Victims Rights Act 2002

Section 11

Answer 4

Section 11 – Inform

Police, officers of the court & health/social services must inform victims of services available.

Question 5

Victims Rights Act 2002

Section 12

Answer 5

Section 12 – Advise

Prosecuting authority must advise of:

P = Progress of investigation
A = Action taken or charges laid
D = Date and place of proceedings
R = Role of victim as a witness
O = Outcome of proceedings.

Question 6

Victims Rights Act 2002

Section 51

Answer 6

Section 51 – Property

A person’s property (other than defendant) held for evidential purposes must be returned promptly when no longer required as evidence.

Question 7

What are the two stages of emotional reactions to victimisation?

Answer 7

Impact Stage / Recoil Stage

Question 8

Describe what is observed during the Impact Stage of victimisation?

Answer 8

Impact Stage

Happens immediately after the crime.

Traits include numbness, disorientation, immobilisation, feelings of unreality & a childlike dependence.

Question 9

Describe what is observed during the Recoil Stage of victimisation?

Answer 9

Recoil Stage

Occurs when victims start to put life together again.

Traits include anger or rage, fear of terror, frustration, confusion, guilt or self-blame, & huge mood shifts.

Question 10

What is the golden rule when dealing with victims?

Answer 10

Treat victims as you would expect to be treated yourself.

Question 11

When interviewing victims - DO

Answer 11

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 the questions as simple as possible.

Ask questions one at a time, to avoid further confusion.

Ask the victim to state what happened in their own words.

Allow the victim to “save face” if they make a mistake.

Help prepare the victim for future contact with the criminal justice system.

As well as listening, observe the victim’s non-verbal communication.

Use open questions.

Question 12

When interviewing victims - DON’T

Answer 12

Judge the victim’s conduct or feelings.

Ask questions that indicate the victim is to blame.

Tell the victim that “all is right” or “all is well”. To the victim, all is not well.

Say you know how they feel – you don’t.

Touch or hold victims unless they show signs that they welcome this.

Force victims to tell details of the crime if they are reluctant to do so.

Overpower the interview.

Take silence as a negative attitude.

Turn what the interviewee is saying into your own words or into police speak.

Question 13

What is PTSD?

Answer 13

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Is a serious psychological disorder in which victim repeatedly re-experience the events surrounding the offence.

Symptoms include:

Memory problems
Concentration problems
Emotional distress