Responding to Victim and the Public

Physical reactions to being sexually assaulted (Probably will be on test)

(1) Aches and pains like head, back, and/or stomach aches (2) Sudden sweating and/or heart palpitations (fluttering) (3) Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, interest in sex (4) Constipation or diarrhea (5) Easily startled by noises or unexpected touch (6) More susceptible to colds or illnesses (7) Increased use in alcohol or other drugs and/or overeating

What do service animals do?

(1) Alerting people with hearing disabilities to sounds (2) Pulling wheelchairs or carrying or picking up objects for people with mobility disabilities (3) Assisting people with mobility disabilities with balance (4) Alerting a person to the onset of a medical crisis (seizure, insulin shock, etc.)

Emotional/Behavioral Signs of Trauma (Training Objective)

(1) Denial, avoidance (2) Confusion, disorientation (3) Difficulty tracking memories logically or sequentially (4) Anger, irritability, mood swings (5) Anxious, fearful (6) Difficulty retaining information (7) Difficulty concentrating (8) Strong feelings of guilt, shame, self-blame (9) Withdrawn, disconnected from the reality of circumstances

Emotional Reactions (First 12)

(1) Shock and/or disbelief (2) Fear and/or anxiety (3) Grief, disorientation, denial (4) Hyper-alertness or vigilance (5) Irritability, restlessness, outbursts of anger or rage (6) Emotional mood swings (e.g., crying then laughing) (7) Worrying or ruminating (i.e., intrusive thoughts of the trauma) (8) Nightmares (9) Flashbacks (i.e., feeling as if the trauma is currently happening) (10) Feelings of helplessness, panic, feeling out of control (11) Increased need to control everyday experiences. (12) Minimizing the experience

Deaf-Blind people may use one (1) or more ways to communicate, including the following methods:

(1) Sign language, close or restricted signing space (2) Tactile sign language (3) Speech (4) Touch communication systems - includes the use of touch signals to provide information about the visual environment, movement, emotion, direction, and maps (5) Print on palm - using your index finger to trace letters and numbers on the palm of their hand (6) Braille (7) Large print Basic Law Enforcement Training 31 Student (8) Assistive listening devices (9) Technology such as their cell phones set up with accessibility features

Responsibilities of law enforcement agencies

(1) The availability of medical services, if needed. (2) The availability of crime victims compensation funds under Chapter 15B of the General Statutes and the address and telephone number of the agency responsible for dispensing the funds. (3) The address and telephone number of the district attorney's office that will be responsible for prosecuting the victim's case. (4) The name and telephone number of an investigating law enforcement agency employee whom the victim may contact if the victim has not been notified of an arrest in the victim's case within six (6) months after the crime was reported to the law enforcement agency. (5) Information about an accused's opportunity for pretrial release. (6) The name and telephone number of an investigating law enforcement agency employee whom the victim may contact to find out whether the accused has been released from custody. (7) The informational sheet described in G.S. § 50B-3(c1), if there was a personal relationship, as defined in G.S. § 50B-1(b), with the accused.

Physical sign of Trauma (Training Objective)

(1) Wide and/or glassy eyes (2) Rapid eye movements (3) Insomnia, nightmares (4) Tension headaches, muscle aches (5) Nausea, changes in appetite (6) Trembling (7) Easily startled (8) Physiological symptoms of shock (increased heart rate, changes in breathing, jumpiness)

Emotional reactions (Last 12)

(13) Attempts to avoid anything associated with the trauma (14) Tendency to isolate oneself (15) Feelings of detachment (16) Concern with burdening others with problems (17) Emotional numbing or restricted range of feelings (18) Difficulty trusting and/or feelings of betrayal (19) Difficulty concentrating or remembering (20) Feelings of self-blame and/or guilt (21) Shame (22) Diminished interest in everyday activities or depression (23) Unpleasant past memories resurfacing (24) Loss of a sense of order or fairness in the world; expectation of doom and fear of the future

Responding to a person with physical disabilities:

-Ask, "May I assist you?" -do not make assumptions -treat assistive devices (wheelchairs,canes etc...) as victim's personal and valuable property -Do not fall into an 'up here/down there' mindset -Move obstacles and open/close doors so that hallways are free of barriers and so that victims can easily and safely go forward, backward, and turn around. -Offer to assist victims if they seem to be having trouble maneuvering in tight spaces. -p.33

Methods for responding to individuals with low vision or are blind: (Training Objective)

-identify yourself immediately by saying, "I am a police officer, may I be of assistance? Only assist with permission -When assisting with sitting, describe the chair -When walking, allow the individual to take your arm just above the elbow on your weak hand side. -When you come to a curb or a set of steps, he or she feels you rise or descend and moves easily beside you. -Orient victims to their surroundings and give cues as to what lies ahead when guiding them. -Encourage sighted people in your patrol area to keep sidewalks clear. - Use your normal voice volume.

Victim's rights

1. provided information regarding medical assistance 2. provided info about protection from harm and threats 3. home address is not relevant 4. personal property will be returned after it is used for evidence 5. provided appropriate employer intercession services 6. provided a waiting area 7. informed of the procedures 8. informed right to be present throughout entire trial 9. given the opportunity to be present during the final disposition 10. Is notified, whenever possible, that a court proceeding to which he has been subpoenaed will not occur as scheduled 11. Has a victim impact statement prepared for consideration by the court 12. provided plea bargain procedures 13. informed that civil liberties may be available

How much of lip-reading is visible on the lips

30% to 40%

What percentage of offenders in sexual assaults are known to the victim?

70%-80%

How much can a victim be eligible to receive in medical expenses?

A maximum of $30,000 and an additional $5,000 may be awarded to the survivors of homicide victims for funeral expenses

How much does the North Carolina Crime Victims Compensation Act provide?

A maximum of $30,000 may be awarded for medical expenses and an additional $5,000 may be awarded to the survivors of homicide victims for funeral expenses."

Victim of a crime definition: (Probably will be on test)

A victim of a crime is defined as a person against whom there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed

Blindness:

A wide array of conditions ranging from a limited ability to see objects with special aids to the absence of light perception. Almost all cases are results from an eye disease. Less than three percent is a result of injuries.

What is ADA?

American with Disabilities Act

When should the law enforcement agency provide the necessary services to the victim:

As soon as practicable but within 72 hours after identifying a victim

Triggers

Can be events, words, colors, smells, locations. Remind the brain of the traumatic event and warn the body of potential danger. Can make signs of ... suddenly reappear when there is no noticeable threat to others.

Examples of triggers

Examples could include a person who resembles a former abuser, the smell of a particular perfume, use of a certain phrase, being touched, etc.

LEO do not have to be sensitive especially to victims of sexual assault.

False

Sexual assault victims DO NOT frequently experience negative and often long-term psychological and physical consequences following the event

False

Responding officer interview (Victim)

If the responding officer is not the investigating officer, then they will want to interview the victim enough to: (1) Establish the elements of the crime(s); (2) Identify any and all witnesses and suspect(s); (3) Identify possible locations of evidence and crime scene(s); (4) Identify additional interviews to be conducted; and (5) Advise a supervisor of additional resources and/or personnel needed (e.g., crime scene services, crime lab, etc.).

Why might a person not report being sexually assaulted immediately?

It is not easy to talk about being sexually assaulted. The experience of re-telling what happened may cause the person to relive the trauma. fear of retaliation by the offender, fear of not being believed, fear of being blamed for the assault, fear of being 'revictimized' if the case goes through the criminal justice system, belief that the offender will not be held accountable, wanting to forget the assault ever happened, not recognizing that what happened was sexual assault, shame/shock.

Sexual assault cases generally can be categorized into two types:

Known offender and Unknown offenders

Known Offender

Many times, the offender may have been in a relationship with the victim. Sexual assault occurs with a known offender between 70 and 80 percent of the time

Article 15B

North Carolina Crime Victims Compensation Act may be filed by: a) A victim b) A dependent of a deceased victim c) A third person who is not a collateral source and who provided benefit to the victim or his family other than in the course or scope of his employment, business, or profession (i.e., friend, neighbor) d) A person who is authorized to act on behalf of a victim, a dependent, or a third person described in "c."

In a sexual assault case where the offender is unknown, an officer should:

Obtain as much information as possible about the offender's profile and compare to other offenders who have previously been arrested for a similar crime to determine whether a pattern exists, including: (1) Method of approach (2) Method of control (3) Amount/type of force/restraint of victim (4) Victim resistance (5) Sexual dysfunction (6) Type and sequence of acts (7) Offender verbal activity (8) Offender attitudinal change (9) Items taken

Two separate and distinct programs administered by the Office of Victim Services are:

Rape Victims Assistance Program Crime Victims Compensation Program

What are two (2) primary ways for an individual with low vision/blind to achieve independent mobility:

The use of a guide dog or "white" cane

A forensic medical examination is free to victims; there is to be no bill sent

True

Officers should attempt to keep the victim as calm as possible and ensure them that they are safe.

True

The ADA requires that people with disabilities be allowed to be accompanied by service animals in public entities and privately owned businesses that serve the public.

True

The majority of society wholeheartedly believes that law enforcement is a vital and integral part of our government filled with caring and honest individuals that are dedicated to helping others

True

it is difficult to interview victims of sexual assault because the officer does not want the victim to relive the event

True

law enforcement must continually reaffirm society's trust and admiration.

True

law enforcement officers need to be patient and empathetic with victims of sexual assaults while encouraging the victim to cooperate and seek assistance

True

women often try to cope with sexual assault without assistance out of fear that the criminal justice system will not believe the victim or blame the victim for the assault

True

Disability definition:

a physical, mental, or health impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such impairment, or being regarded as having such impairment. includes intellectual/developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, and multiple disabilities.

Unknown Offender

a primary issue of the investigation is identifying the offender. Investigation should focus on obtaining as much information as possible in an effort to pinpoint a suspect(s), including: A detailed physical description of the offender including, clothing, tattoos, facial features, identifying marks, distinctive walk, odors, etc. Information about the offender's vehicle may also be helpful

Who is eligible under the North Carolina Crime Victims Compensation Act?

a) A victim b) A dependent of a deceased victim c) A third person who is not a collateral source and who provided benefit to the victim or his family other than in the course or scope of his employment, business, or profession (i.e., friend, neighbor) d) A person who is authorized to act on behalf of a victim, a dependent, or a third person described in

Who is eligible for under the North Carolina Crime Victims Compensation Act?

a) A victim b) A dependent of a deceased victim c) A third person who is not a collateral source and who provided benefit to the victim or his family other than in the course or scope of his employment, business, or profession (i.e., friend, neighbor) d) A person who is authorized to act on behalf of a victim, a dependent, or a third person described in "c." -may not be the offender or an accomplice of the offender who committed the criminally injurious conduct.

Law enforcement's duties to a victim of sexual assault are similar to any other victim of a crime, with a few specific concerns. These duties are: (Training Objective)

a) Attend to the victim b) Be careful not to stigmatize the victim c) Preserve evidence on victim (i.e., not taking a shower, nothing to drink, not brushing teeth, or removing any clothes) d) Secure and protect the crime scene e) Contact your local rape crisis center f) Apprehend the offender if present

Responding to an immigrant:

a) Do not discriminate based on national origin. b) Be aware of the cultural differences they may have from our cultural (i.e., eye contact, physical gestures, touching, display of emotion, etc.). c) Explain your role as a law enforcement officer and keep your manner encouraging. d) Use the word "immigrant" rather than "alien." e) Use a qualified interpreter/translator if at all possible to communicate. A victim's family members or friends are inappropriate unless it is an emergency. f) Speak slowly and pronounce your words clearly, avoiding slang or jargon. g) Listen attentively and patiently. h) Do not interrupt, correct grammar, or put words in the victim's mouth. i) Repeat your statements using different words so that you are understood. j) Use gestures, mime, and props to visually demonstrate your words. When possible, use words that relate to things you both can see. k) Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer and frequently summarize what you understood the person to say. l) Do not pretend to understand if you are not sure that you fully understood them. Instead, repeat to them what you think you heard them say and ask for clarification. m) Keep your manner encouraging. n) Never raise your voice to be understood. o) Say numerals for street addresses and telephone and other numbers one at a time. For example, give your telephone number, including the area code, as seven (7), zero (0), three (3), eight (8), three (3), eight (8), five (5), three (3), one (1), seven (7). Do not say seven (7), zero (0), three (3), eight (8), three (3), eight (8), fifty-three, seventeen. p) Allow extra time for communication.

Preparing for your interaction with deaf or hard of hearing people

a) Establish eye contact with the individual, this is important for communication and to facilitate lip-reading. b) Ask which communication mode is convenient for this person. c) Consider calling for a sign language interpreter. With an interpreter present, talk directly to the person who is deaf, not the interpreter. d) Use facial expressions and hand gestures as visual cues. e) Check to see if you have been understood and repeat, or rephrase, if necessary. f) Use pencil and paper; write slowly and let the individual read as you write. g) Written communication may be especially important if you are unable to understand the person's speech or if the person doesn't understand you. Please keep in mind that English is not the first language for some people, so there may be some barriers. h) Do not allow others to interrupt you while conveying information. i) Be patient as the person may have difficulty understanding the urgency of messages. Rephrase as needed. When an individual is relaxed, it can make communication easier. When the individual is feeling pressured, communication may begin to break down. j) If available, provide the person with a flashlight to signal their location in the event they are separated from the rescue team. Providing a flashlight can also assist to facilitate lip-reading or signing in the dark. Darkness can make communication almost impossible for those who rely on visual communication techniques. k) If available, use a pocket talker or other type of assistive listening device (ALD) that would assist in communicating with hard of hearing people. There are free smartphone applications, via the internet, available to use smartphones as an ALD with earbuds or headphones.

When interviewing the Elderly:

a) Make the victim as comfortable as possible. b) Tell the victim what to expect during the investigation. c) Minimize the number of interviews and the number of people present. d) Allow the victim to describe the incident in his or her own words. e) Be patient and reassuring. f) Avoid unnecessary pressure. g) Acknowledge the victim's anxiety and try to discern its cause. h) Keep it simple. Phrase questions in a clear, concise fashion. i) Keep questions short. j) Ask open-ended questions that encourage further discussion. k) Accept and use victim's terminology and language for acts, body parts, etc. l) Avoid influencing the victim's account of the alleged offense. m) If you feel that the older person is having difficulty understanding or communicating, ask him or her if he or she has assistant devices or someone who can help. n) Ask the victim if he or she would like assistance. If so, ask how he or she would like to be assisted. Do not guess. o) Even if the victim appears to be somewhat confused, do not discount the information. Make every effort to obtain the fullest possible response before relying on information from others.

Responding to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing: (Training Objective)

a) Signal your presence by waving your hand or gently touching them on the arm or shoulder if they do not notice you. b) Face them so that your eyes and mouth are visible. c) Move to a private, secure, well-lit location that is free of distractions or interference. d) Avoid shouting or speaking very slowly to make yourself understood as this distorts your speech, lip movements, and facial expressions, and may make you appear upset. Be prepared that communications may take longer with an individual that is deaf or hard of hearing. You may need to repeat things, but differently, so that the other individual understands what you are trying to say (i.e., saying "mother" instead of "mom"). e) Always ask at the beginning how the person prefers to communicate f) If the person wants to lip-read to communicate, speak naturally, and keep your mouth free of distractions. Match your facial expressions and body language to your words. g) If the person wants to communicate by writing, keep your messages short and to the point. h) Do not assume because they are wearing a hearing aid or cochlear implant that they can hear and understand you. Use open-ended questions and statements that require them to answer with more than a yes or no to prevent misunderstandings. j) Do not use people who can sign, but are not professional interpreters, except to obtain name, address, and other basic information. k) Do not allow the person with "better" communication to take over. l) Make sure the suspect cannot watch or "eavesdrop" on the crime victim using sign language. Perpetrators can threaten victims through sign language. m) A driver may show the Driver Communication Card to indicate they have a hearing loss. n) Please be patient.

Responding to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing: p.24

a) Signal your presence by waving your hand or gently touching them on the arm or shoulder if they do not notice you. b) Face them so that your eyes and mouth are visible. c) Move to a private, secure, well-lit location that is free of distractions or interference. d) Avoid shouting or speaking very slowly to make yourself understood as this distorts your speech e) Always ask at the beginning how the person prefers to communicate f) If the person wants to lip-read to communicate, speak naturally, and keep your mouth free of distractions. Match your facial expressions and body language to your words. g) If the person wants to communicate by writing, keep your messages short and to the point. h) Do not assume because they are wearing a hearing aid or cochlear implant that they can hear and understand you. i) use open ended questions

Challenges of communicating with an individual that is deaf or hard of hearing:

a) Some hard of hearing people may deny they have a hearing loss. b) Some deaf people lost their hearing later in life, so their speech may be very clear. c) Not all people with hearing loss know sign language. d) Many deaf people do not wear hearing aids. e) Hearing aids and cochlear implants have varying results for each person and each ear. Do not assume a person is receiving all audible information

Challenges of communicating with an individual that is deaf or hard of hearing:

a) Some hard of hearing people may deny they have a hearing loss. b) Some deaf people lost their hearing later in life, so their speech may be very clear. c) Not all people with hearing loss know sign language. d) Many deaf people do not wear hearing aids. e) Hearing aids and cochlear implants have varying results for each person and each ear. Do not assume a person is receiving all audible information.

clues to alert you to the fact that a person is deaf or has a hearing loss are as follows:

a) They appear to be alert but fail to respond to any noise or sounds. b) They may point to their ears, or the ear and mouth. c) Hearing loss can affect the clarity of a person's speech. Some deaf people prefer not to vocalize. d) They may write notes instead of speaking. e) They may wear a hearing aid or cochlear implant. f) They may look at your lips. g) They may speak louder. It doesn't mean they are shouting. They cannot hear their voice. h) They may not answer your questions appropriately, or at all.

Devices used to assist those with disabilities:

a) Wheelchairs b) Crutches c) Braces Basic Law Enforcement Training 32 Student d) Canes e) Walkers

Effective communication methods

a) sign language b) Lip-reading c) Reading/writing d) Hearing aids/assistive listening devices

What do you do if a victim is unsure/unwilling to pursue a complaint:

advise the victim of the right to make a formal statement at a later time and of the procedure for doing so.

What is a service animal?

any animal individually trained to assist an individual with a disability.

Who is a victim under the North Carolina Crime Victims Compensation Act?

defines a victim as "a person who suffers personal injury or death proximately caused by criminally injurious conduct occurring on or after August 13, 1987, which by its nature: a) Poses a serious threat of personal injury or death. b) Is punishable by a fine or imprisonment or death. c) Does not result from a violation of the motor vehicle laws except in conduct related to Driving While Impaired and Hit and Run. d) Results from an act of terrorism on North Carolina residents while outside the USA.

LEO can separate the guide dog/pet the guide dog without the permission of the owner

false

Who can cause secondary injuries

friends, family, and most often by the professionals victims encounter as a result of the crime. Law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, social service workers, the media, coroners, clergy, and even mental health professionals can cause secondary injuries.

Victim

group of individuals in our communities that have specific needs and require an extra level of care from law enforcement officers. These individuals should not be looked down upon or considered any less deserving of law enforcement's efforts.

Visually impaired definition:

he or she has difficulty reading a newspaper, is unable to see objects with peripheral vision, among many other indicators.

Key issues to identify in sexual assault cases:

identify offender element of force issue of consent

Legally blind definition:

no better than 20/200 corrected vision in the better eye, or a visual field not extending beyond 20 degrees in the better eye, or a visual efficiency of no more than 20 percent.

Secondary Injuries

occur when there is a lack of proper support.

List the type of crimes victims are apart of where they can receive benefits from the North Carolina Crime Victims Compensation Program.

victims of rape, assault, child sexual abuse, domestic violence, and drunk driving, as well as the families of surviving victims of homicide

Initial Response

will have a long-lasting impact on that individual's view of the justice system and participation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime. Also is a key factor in whether or not a victim ultimately accesses needed services and assistance, such as crisis intervention,counseling, financial compensation, information, referrals to community programs, and help in navigating the justice process.