As with all cases involving victims, the victim meeting is of primary importance in prosecuting cases in District Court.

Refer to the "Working with Victims" sections for reminders about domestic violence, sex assault, child abuse, gang violence, and crimes against the elderly and at-risk-adults.

Homicide

In cases of homicide, there are often entire families impacted who are in need of information and services. For the first victims meeting, invite all family members who have an interest in the case. During that meeting, explain that one person needs to be chosen by the family to be the contact person. This person will be the individual who will receive notification as mandated by the Victim Rights Amendment. It will be that person’s responsibility to notify other family members. Be sensitive to split families and varying grief/trauma responses, one voice is usually not representative of all members.

• Be willing to meet with the family at their home if possible.
  
• Let them show you photos and tell you stories about the victim. This is an opportunity to get to "know" the victim and lets the family have a chance to personalize the victim so that they don't feel like they are just another case.
• Be available to answer questions from family members. This may mean providing a way to reach you after hours. Utilize a pager system. Also, be sure to involve the victim advocate assigned to the case.
  
• Answer all questions as honestly as possible. Let families know the strengths and weaknesses of the case as they develop. Let the family decide what they can "handle". For example if reading the autopsy or even looking at the photos is important to them, it is best not to question their reason for doing so.
  
• Return all phone calls as soon as possible. There are times when a victim's family is immobilized by what may seem insignificant issues but a call from the deputy or the advocate can get things back on track.

Victims often want to be involved in the trial process. By being present they may feel a sense of control because they are able to see what is happening. Many victims may feel empowered by their involvement. This is especially important to remember when working with homicide victims. They may not be witnesses to the crime; therefore it is easy to overlook the impact of their being present during the trial.

"We wanted to be there because not one was there to defend our daughter. The only picture the jury saw of [her] was the morgue picture. They had no idea what kind of girls she was. That’s why it is so important that families be there, because the victim is not there to answer.", Father of a 18-year-old murder victim

"[My daughter] never let me down. I had to be sure the court didn’t let her down.", Mother of a 21-year-old murder victim.