The first section of the handbook provides basic guidelines for an officer's first contact with a crime victim. Tips are provided for responding to victims' three major needs: to feel safe, to express their emotions, and the need to know "what comes next" after their victimization. These basic guidelines for meeting crime victims' needs are followed by specific guidelines for interacting with various types of victims: elderly victims, victims of sexual assault, child victims, victims of domestic violence, and family members of homicide victims. For each of these types of victims, the handbook explains the particular needs associated with the type of crime committed against the victim or the needs that stem from the victim being elderly or a child. Tips for responding to each type of victim are then outlined. The handbook also contains a list of national victim resources, including hotlines and other toll-free numbers, which can help victims cope with and recover from their victimization.
First Response to Victims of Crime
NCJ Number
176971
Date Published
May 2000
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This handbook helps law enforcement officers to better understand and meet the needs of crime victims, particularly during the first contact.
Abstract