Victims Rights Flashcards
Name the Act that refers to Victim Rights
Victims Rights Act 2002
What is the Purpose of the Victims rights Act?
Victims rights act 2002 is designed to ensure the victims interests are looked after and their needs met
What does section 51 of the Victims Rights Act 2002 state?
The prompt return of a persons property held for evidential purposes
What is the golden rule of victim support?
Treat the Victim as you would like to be Treated
What are the most common emotional reactions experience by victims at the IMPACT stage?
Numbness, disorientation, immobilisation, feelings of unreality, childlike dependence
What are the most common emotional reactions experienced by victims at the RECOIL stage?
Anger or rage, fear or terror, frustration, confusion, guilt or self blame, violation, greater shifts in mood.
What is PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)?
Post traumatic stress disorder is a serious psychological disorder in which the victim re-experiences the events surrounding the event
What are symptoms of PTSD?
Startled response, disturbed sleep, guilt, memory problems, concentration problems, flashbacks, emotional distress, inability to re-enter normal activity
Describe who is a victim
Under the act, the victim means, a person who, through, or by any means of, an offence committed by another person, suffers a physical injury, or loss of, or damage to property
A few do’s when dealing with Victims
Make the settings for the interview safe, introduce yourself and say why are you there, Hold the interview as soon as possible, keep the question simple, ask one question at a time, help the victim prepare for future contact with the criminal justice system, observe the victims non-verbal communication
A few don’t’s when dealing with Victims
Judge the victim, ask questions indicating the victim is to blame, tell the victim that everything is alright, or all is well, don’t say you know how they feel, touch or hold the victims, force victims to tell details of the offence they may be reluctant to do so, take silence as a negative.
Responsibilities to victims under section 8
Section 8, victims and their families should have access to welfare, health, counselling and medical and legal assistance responsive to their needs.
Responsibilities to victims under section 11
Section 11, members of police, offices of the court and health and social services personnel should inform victims at the earliest opportunity of the programs, services and remedies available to them.
Responsibilities to victims under section 7
Section 7, victims should be treated with courtesy, compassion and respect by member of police, prosecutors, judicial of officers, council and court officials.
Responsibilities to victims under section 12
Section 12, requires the prosecuting authority to advise victims of the process of the investigation, charges file or actions taken, date and place of proceedings, role of victim as a witness, outcome of proceedings.
