NCJ Number
95767
Date Published
1975
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Designed to accompany a film series, this monograph explains typical psychological reactions of victims and those who feel victimized and describes verbal and nonverbal techniques police officers can use in crisis intervention with victims.
Abstract
Most victims go through four major stages in reacting to their victimization: denial, whereby the mind tries to blot out the pain of a reality with which the individual cannot cope; blaming, which focuses on one's self, a scapegoat group, or the police; anger, which can be turned against the self, the criminal, or the police; and resolution and integration. Knowledge of these reactions allows the police officer to develop goals for effectively helping victims. Many nonverbal techniques are useful in crisis intervention; for example, eye contact usually improves communication between the victim and the officer, as does a sympathetic body posture. Touching or offering a hand can comfort victims. It is generally a good idea to speak to victims in a slow and soft voice, allowing a few seconds to lapse between questions. A useful verbal technique is active listening, whose major features are asking the victim to clarify answers, summarizing what has been said so far, and allowing a silence after a question has been asked. Other techniques include stating the obvious even though it may seem condescending, personalizing statements, and sharing feelings. In sexual assaults, the officer should ask the victim to tell the story in her own words, but give her the opportunity to answer yes or no to a question if she becomes uneasy when discussing the sexual details.