The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), U.S. Department of Justice, created the Victim Impact: Listen and Learn videotape/DVD series to offer deeply intimate insights into the effects of crime on victims. In this video, 14 people who have experienced violent crime recount the incidents in which they or a loved one were harmed as well as the physical, mental, and financial effects of the crime and its aftermath.
Nia is a child sexual abuse victim presented in the video. Children and teenagers who have experienced sexual abuse need to receive support from both family and governmental institutions. In terms of police, although they will not be liable for providing emotional or psychological help, the police will be principally responsible for enabling victim services. Numerous organizations offer specialized help, and this support is likely crucial in ensuring that the child or young person (and, as necessary, their parents or guardians) retains their involvement in the criminal justice system. Local and national organizations, such as Rape Crisis England and Wales and the Survivor’s Trust, can offer support. They are responsible for first medical and mental health aid for the victims.
To assist victims of child sexual abuse, certain police departments may appoint Family Liaison Officers or officers with a related responsibility. Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVA) assist rape and sexual assault victims, particularly those who have been sexually abused as children. They are advocates with a victim-centered approach who assist those who have been sexually assaulted in getting the support they may require. They are distinct from therapists, counselors, and Registered Intermediaries and are independent of the police.
In the video, Nia was accompanied with the ISVA advisors and the police. Yet, Nia was afraid to disclose the name of her abuser due to her mental trauma. She needed to have more time with a specialist and therapist. It is seen that the police lacked empathy and was straightforward with Nia, asking to many sensitive questions. This can be done differently by the advisors or with the presence of her parents.
Reference
PublicResourceOrg. (2010). Victim Impact: Listen and Learn [Video]. YouTube. Web.