Serving Specific Victims Exercise

Serving Specific Victims Exercise

The following charts are to be used for Serving Specific Victims. The suggestion column is blank on the student version. The information under the suggestion column of the trainer's version is intended primarily to assist people who do not normally deal with a particular issue. The groups may come up with other responses that are just as or even more appropriate.

There are eight charts. Depending on the number of groups attending this training, some charts may need to be handed out twice. If the participants worked rapidly on other team assignments, have enough copies of the charts to hand out two to each group.

Adapted from: Building a Solution: A Practical Guide for Establishing Crime Victim Service Agencies by Marjorie Susman & Carol Holt Vittert, National Council of Jewish Women, St. Louis Section. 1980.

BURGLARY VICTIMS

PROBLEM	COMMENT	SUGGESTION
1. Feel violation of home, no longer safe haven	"If can't be safe in home, where can I be safe?"	Help them to identify what would help them to feel safe again.
2. Reluctant to leave home	Afraid that house will be burglarized if they leave.	Acknowledge the fear. Suggest array of home security measures (perhaps get a dog).
3. Reluctant to stay home	Afraid they will encounter burglar in the house.	Same as above.
4. Express lots of "I shoulds"	"I should have...locked my door" put in that new lock" stayed home"	Stress that burglary is not their fault. "Now you know and can take other precautions."
5. Heavy financial loss	Home may be cleaned out of valuables.	Suggest that they consider itemizing and deducting as IRS casualty loss; file an insurance claim.
6. Sorrow at loss of items with sentimental value	Often this personal loss concerns the victim more than monetary loss.	Suggest anti-fence project for one of a kind items.
7. Disgust at destruction which may accompany burglary	Difficult to understand vandalism. Destroys faith in people.	Acknowledge and accept their feelings of anger/disgust. Sentimental items such as pictures can be duplicated if other family members have copies of the same pictures. Groups such as Neighbors Who Care or Scout troops may help with clean-up/repairs.
8. Realization of isolation	Particularly apparent with suburban, mobile families. Frustrated and saddened that their neighbors don't look out for them.	Crime may motivate them to reach out to know their neighbors. Incentive for block watch program.
9. Frustration with police who don't investigate as thoroughly as they expect.	a. Believe that the police should immediately take fingerprints and utilize crime lab. Do not understand limitations. b. Often feel they "know" who did it - believe police should be able to prove it.	a. Explain limitations on investigation - criteria for assigning crime lab. b. Explain the need for corroborating evidence. If victim is very concerned, you may ask the police to respond directly.
10. Expense of securing home	a. Victims with some financial resources often go out and buy elaborate and expensive security systems. b. Indigent victims may not have money to make even the simplest repairs.	a. Suggest home security surveys by police or community agency that provides such a service. Spare the victim the expense of buying unneeded equipment. b. Find alternative resources - retired persons, unions to make home repairs.

ROBBERY VICTIMS

PROBLEM	COMMENT	SUGGESTION
1. Fear of venturing alone on the street	Often entails major changes in lifestyle. May have to curtail activities such as jogging & taking long walks.	Provide detailed street safety information. Best bet: shrill whistle; self-defense training may help them "feel more secure."
2. Relief at survival Realization of mortality	In personal crimes, particularly when a weapon is used, the thought "I'm going to die" often flashes through the victim's mind.	Help victims to recognize, they did what was needed to stay alive.
3. Frustration at loss of personal effects	The most frustrating part of the post-crime period may be all the hassles of replacing documents.	Provide detailed information on procedures for replacing driver's license, social security cards, credit cards, etc.
4. Fear of intimidation	Muggers often threaten, "I'll get you if you report this."	Point out this is a frequent tactic to keep victims from reporting crimes.
5. For commercial robberies, fear on the job	Employees of fast food establishments and 24-hour stores are particularly vulnerable.	Provide suggestions for other types of employment or training if victim indicates does not want to return to work.

ASSAULT VICTIMS

PROBLEM	COMMENT	SUGGESTION
1. Tremendous anger/bitterness	Feel attack was personal, directed at them as individuals.	Let them know anger is normal; encourage them to direct anger at offender. Help to identify other emotions - fear, etc.
2. Realization of mortality	Even more so than in robbery, there was a belief at some point that they were going to die. If severely injured, they might not feel, "I'm lucky to be alive."	Acknowledge fears. Help them identify areas where they do have control.
3. Physical injury	Victims may neglect medical care because of: a. Denial of problem b. Lack of money/insurance	Encourage them to get the medical attention. Explain why medical treatment is needed.
4. Medical bills	For uninsured or under-insured victims, bills are often a large source of worry. Many people have never had to face that level of debt.	Hospital social service units can often help "write off" debts or work out arrangements for payment. They may qualify for Crime Victims Comp.
5. Time lost from work	Families often lose a source of income. There is little short term (1-6 week) financial assistance available.	Ask community groups to "adopt" the family so they can keep afloat financially. Know what kind of help is available in the community.
6. Fear of reprisals	May be more likely than in robbery cases.	Victim Assistance programs may be able to provide information.
7. If assailant is family member or friend: feeling of betrayal	Difficult to accept that someone they trusted turned on them. May be hard to avoid contact with offender. May not want to report crime.	Help victim to determine if this is repetitive behavior and what is needed to create a safer environment. Refer to Victim Assistance Program.
8. If result of traffic incident: fear of driving, bewilderment	This is common.	Let victims know this is a normal response. Suggest defensive driving information/course.
9. If result of jealousy: victim feels very vulnerable	Jealousy is a powerful motivator. These situations should be taken very seriously.	Refer to victim assistance programs.
10. For male victims: shame at "losing" a fight	These emotions can be very strong. Some will feel they lost face.	Ask if they prefer a male counselor. Help to separate anger from other emotions.

SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS

PROBLEM	COMMENT	SUGGESTION
1. Embarrassment	Police investigation and hospital exam can be an ordeal.	Act as natural as possible. Explain this is a normal response.
2. Difficulty in describing the incident	Elderly victims in particular may never have spoken the words necessary to describe what happened to them.	Be patient and help the victim to become comfortable.
3. Concern about VD/pregnancy	Actual incidence is rare. (About 1% of rape victims get pregnant)	Check that they receive appropriate care at hospital. If medical facility refuses to provide medications to prevent pregnancy, refer to facility that will.
4. Bill for medical exam	May refuse treatment out of concerns for cost. Can be a traumatic reminder.	Be familiar with laws covering forensic rape exam costs.
5. Fear of telling family members	Concerns may be legitimate, especially if this occurred to a female who participated in underage drinking. Male family members/friends may have difficulty.	If family members are at the hospital, try to have a counselor available for family members. Topic can be discussed with sexual assault counselor.
6. Fear of media publicity	The media like to report the gory details. Most will not reveal the victim's identity, but may give information that helps others to identify her.	While most media will not identify the victim, prepare the victim to understand that rape victims are often portrayed as virgins or vamps by the media.
7. Fear the neighbors will find out	This is a real concern, particularly in rural areas or small towns. People can be very insensitive.	Help victim to realize that it is not her fault.
8. Recurring nightmares, changes in sleeping patterns, loss of appetite	Very common.	Let victim know these are normal reactions and will probably pass in time. If it does not pass, mental health treatment may be appropriate.
9. Decision to prosecute	Very tough. It won't be easy, but can be psychologically helpful. The decision can be complicated by embarrassment.	Support the decision and explain the process and potential for secondary victimization.
10. Fear they will have to testify about prior sexual history	There are laws which protect victims from this kind of cross examination.	Explain Rape Shield Laws. Be aware of the limitations in your area.
11. Nervous about polygraph	In some jurisdictions, a polygraph is routinely administered in sexual assault cases.	Explain local policy. Try to diffuse fears. Accompany if needed and allowed.
12. Bitterness against offender - shock at violence of act/ degradation	This may be the strongest hatred a victim has ever experienced. The victim may be frightened by the intensity of emotion.	Allow victim to direct anger where it belongs - at offender. Tell them they are entitled to be angry.
13. Sexual dysfunction	Two possible responses: a. Victim feels soiled - becomes promiscuous. b. Victim unable to enjoy sex.	Refer to professional counseling.

BATTERED WOMEN

PROBLEM	COMMENT	SUGGESTION
1. Decision to stay	Often the woman has very good reasons for staying. Do not judge. Many factors may prohibit leaving.	Give women options to improve coping ability. Encourage development of escape plan with money in reserve. Encourage use of support groups.
2. Decision to leave	Is agonizing. May be made several times before it is final. Can be very dangerous.	Provide information on how to obtain Protection from Abuse orders. Do careful safety assessment.
3. Financial worries	Decision often means poverty. They may be denied health insurance if there is a medical record of domestic violence.	Help victim develop job skills even while remaining in the household.
4. Decision to prosecute	Some states have laws that make domestic violence a crime against the state.	Explain the laws.
5. Desire counseling for batterer	Batterers very seldom voluntarily seek counseling.	Refer to batterers' intervention program if man is interested. Never send the couple for joint counseling.
6. Desire counseling for self	Victims need to feel they are not alone.	Refer to DV program or counselor with knowledge of DV issues. Recommend participation in support group for battered women.
7. For separated couple visitation offers opportunities for assaults	Visitation is a highly charged atmosphere. Victim is very vulnerable.	Recommend that victim avoid direct contact with offender. Find family member or other third party who will act as a buffer. Suggest meeting in a public place. Know local visitation center resources.
8. Isolation	Battered women are systematically isolated from family and friends by batterer; have few friends and are ashamed for people to know the situation.	On-going relationships with victim service worker. Encourage development of support system.
9. Helplessness	This is a learned behavior.	Patiently create experiences for victims in which they sense accomplishment.
10. Psychological dependence	Many batterers can be kind, warm, and generous at times in the relationship, particularly right after an incident.	Help victim to see, understand and identify the pattern in her situation.
11. Fear of recurrence	Victims must understand that almost all batterers are repeaters and the violence will escalate.	If they decide to stay, encourage them to take precautions. Recognize early signs of build-up in tension. Plan escape route.
12. Feeling of personal failure	Relationships are very important to most women. Many feel the success of the marriage depends on them.	Encourage them to recognize relationship as a 2-way street. Help them assess their efforts to make it work vs. spouse's efforts.
13. Fear for children's safety - effect on children	a. Batterers often abuse the children as well. They may make sexual advances toward adolescent girls or physically harm or threaten to harm the children. This may be the last straw for the victim. b. Victim may also abuse - there may be a pecking order	a. Assess carefully. Call child abuse hotline if situation appears serious. Know local child protective services protocols. b. Refer to Parents' Anonymous.

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SURVIVOR VICTIMS (FAMILY OF HOMICIDE)

PROBLEM	COMMENT	SUGGESTION
1. Acceptance of death	Grief stages discussed in On Death and Dying (Kubler-Ross).	Identify counselors with special expertise in grief counseling.
2. Funeral arrangements	Family is not prepared. Easy prey for unscrupulous morticians.	Learn about burial costs in your community. Advise survivors what is reasonable. Suggest that home be watched during funeral to prevent further victimization - could be burglarized. Know if victims qualify for assistance from Crime Victim's Comp.
3. Financial problems when a breadwinner is killed	Families not prepared for financial burden. Difficult realization.	Familiarity with Social Security Survivor's Benefits, union benefits, life insurance, probate laws, etc. Handhold - may ask local group to "adopt" family temporarily.
4. Delayed emotional reaction	Initial feeling is denial. Often the early days are filled with support by family and friends. Difficult period sets in after 2 to 3 weeks.	Be sure to arrange for follow-up call during this period. Help families identify other sources of on-going emotional support.
5. Reactions of children	Children need to know as much truth as they can handle.	Help parents to identify signs of abnormal reactions and encourage parents to seek professional help if serious problems are evident. There are children's books which address death and grief.
6. Need information on case	Families may want to know every detail to assure themselves that the victim was in no way to blame.	Arrange for family to meet with homicide detectives or prosecutor assigned to case. Know what victim/witness services are available in your area.
7. Media publicity	May learn of information in news report. Reports can contain information that is not flattering to the victim or information that the victim had not shared with family. Media may request interviews when family is not prepared to answer questions.	Help family to understand their rights when dealing with the media. They can control who asks the questions, which questions they will answer and whether their pictures can be taken.
8. Feel powerless in criminal justice system	Unless a direct witness, family has no official role in proceedings. May want to gather evidence on their own: get enmeshed in details of the case.	While victims may need to take action to feel in control again, they must, at some point, let go and build a new life. Refer to counseling.
9. Ordeal during trial	The trial reactivates the grief process a year or more after the incident. Family may insist on attending trial. Prosecutor may welcome it (affects the jury), but family will probably hear the defense try to discredit the victim.	Need court accompaniment and an explanation of proceedings. It is helpful if the prosecutor acknowledges their presence and discusses case with them.
10. Loneliness	Often unanticipated. Can be crushing.	Find support group. Encourage them to participate in new activities.
11. Can't stop ruminating	Survivors can't stop thinking about deceased or about the actual homicide.	Let them know that it will get better with time.
12. Want revenge	Families often want murderer to die. Find it difficult to accept plea bargaining & finding of insanity.	Make their concerns known. Help them to prepare a victim impact statement. Explain that criminal justice system separates offender's fate from their own recovery.

CHILD VICTIMS

PROBLEM	COMMENT	SUGGESTION
1. Parental guilt	Parents may get hysterical. Their reactions may have more of an impact on child than the crime. May become over-protective and child will feel punished.	Discuss in detail with parents and point out how their reactions affect child. Refer for specialized counseling when appropriate.
2. Signs of emotional distress	Changes in eating, sleeping and behavior patterns.	Ask parents to be aware of these changes. May need professional referral. They may choose to discuss problem with teacher as well, but must understand that information shared with teacher is not confidential.
3. Child's guilt	Children often blame themselves.	Parents must be careful to avoid blaming child, and help the child to understand internal blame.
4. Parents' unconcern	Some parents may be unaware of child's needs. They may put their needs ahead of the child's. They may feel threatened and not want the children to talk to you.	Recognize parents' needs. Point out that parents' needs and child's needs may not be the same and sometimes conflict with each other.
5. Difficulty in describing incident	Children may find it hard to describe the incident - particularly if very young.	Refer to counselor who has experience working with child victims.
6. Fears about testifying	This can be terrifying, especially if the child must be in the courtroom with the offender. Many communities have court schools which explain the court process to child witnesses. Some allow videotaping.	If your community has a court school, encourage the parents to have the child attend. There are books and videos about children appearing in court that can explain the process and reduce anxiety. Explain the process to parents.
7. Incest: decision about family future	Can be a tug-of-war between child welfare agencies (wanting to keep family intact) and criminal justice system (wanting to prosecute).	Understand policies of local child welfare agencies. Find specialized counseling. Know local protocols for handling cases.
8. Incest: reactions of non-offending family members	The non-offending parent(s) and siblings may be torn between concern for child and dependence on the offender. Often child is sacrificed.	Refer to agency that provides counseling and/or support groups for non-offending family members. Provide reading list or videos for family members to watch.
9. Reaction of other children	Other children may be cruel. Victim and siblings may get a lot of unwanted or negative attention.	Discuss situation with counselor. If the problem is at school, family may choose to discuss with school staff. This will pass with time.
10. Fear of intimidation	Children and parents may be terrified of recurrence.	Advise of reasonable safety measures. Request victim be advised if offender is released from custody.

ELDERLY VICTIMS

PROBLEM	COMMENT	SUGGESTION
1. Tremendous fear of crime	The elderly are no more likely to become victims than the rest of the population. However, their fear is much greater. Street crime is a serious problem in inner cities.	Suggest crime prevention measures, escort service, home security inspections, etc. Self-defense training for seniors.
2. Acute financial loss	Senior citizens on fixed incomes suffer.	Encourage social security deposits directly to bank. Find groups to help out financially. Refer to Crime Victims Comp when appropriate.
3. Change in lifestyle	Crime often changes habits.	Find appropriate alternatives. Office of Aging may have information.
4. Loneliness	Crime further isolates elderly, who are frequently very lonely.	Encourage activities. Outreach by local senior citizens' center.
5. Family reactions	Often children pressure parents to move in with them or into a nursing home for safety. Undermines feeling of independence.	Discuss with family members if given permission. Contact the Office of Aging for alternatives.
6. Reluctance to get involved with criminal justice system	Have fear of criminal justice system.	Provide information and step by step accompaniment.