Victims & Witnesses

Question 1

What is a victim?

Answer 1

A person who has suffered harm including
physical, mental or emotional harm or economic
loss which was directly caused by criminal conduct

Question 2

What is an expert witness?

Answer 2

someone who has an expertise e.g., doctor

Question 3

Role of family Leasion Officer?

Answer 3

The primary role of the FLO is that of an investigator to assist the SIO/SIM to achieve their aims and objectives. This will include the day-to-day management of the interaction with the family in the investigation and close liaison with the SIO/SIM to ensure families are treated appropriately, professionally and with respect for their needs. It may involve working in a range of different situations in demanding and often stressful conditions over sustained periods of time.

Question 4

Why are Victims & Witnesses important?

Answer 4

• allows the criminal justice system to succeed
• narrows the justice gap
• government initiated changes
• helps avoid ineffective trails

Question 5

What do witness care units do?

Answer 5

• provide single point of contact for victims & witnesses
• keep witnesses informed about their case
• conduct a needs assessment & tailored support
• provide a dedicated witness care officer

Question 6

What is a victim personal statement?

Answer 6

enables victim to say how the crime has affected them physically, emotionally, psychologically, financially or in any other way

• voluntary process
• can be made at the time of crime or any point after

Question 7

3 of them

Victims code of practise

Answer 7

• to inform & protect victims of crime & their families
• to ensure they receive appropriate support
• to put victims at the heart of the criminal justice system

Question 8

3 of them & how they feel

categories of victims & witnesses?

Answer 8

1. vulnerable
2. intimidated
3. repeat victimisation

Question 9

intimidated witness

Youth Justice & Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Section 17)

Answer 9

Witnesses in criminal proceedings (other than the accused)
whose quality of evidence is likely to be diminished by
reason of fear or distress in connection with testifying in
proceedings

Question 10

What is a repeat Victim?

Answer 10

A victim of the same type of crime more than
once in the last year

Question 11

Special measures for witnesses?

Answer 11

• giving evidence in private
• examination through intermediary
• aids to communication
• using video recording for giving evidence
• screening witness from the accused
• removal of wigs and gowns