Meeting the Victim

Decide ahead of time what you need to accomplish at this meeting:

1. Review your file and determine what your goals are for the meeting.
2. Discuss with your Victim Advocate what you would like to have happen at this meeting and determine what the Victim Advocate can do to assist you in reaching that goal.
3. Decide what role(s) in the meeting that the Deputy and the Victim Advocate will each handle.

Build rapport with the victim:

1. Do everything in your power to be on time.
2. Introduce yourself to the victim.
3. Introduce the Victim Advocate and any others attending the meeting.
4. Look the victim in the eye when you speak with them.
5. Talk with the victim when you are all getting settled about things such as the victim finding the office, parking, etc.
6. Thank the victim for being there. Acknowledge that this is not easy for her/him.

Getting to know the victim:

1. Learn some background information about the victim.
2. Determine what her relationship is with the defendant (if any).
3. Determine what she knows about the judicial system and answer any questions she may have.
4. Explain to her the procedural history of what has happened in the case so far and what is about to happen.

Provide the victim with the Victims Rights brochure and Fact Sheet:

1. Go over the Fact Sheet and explain that you will help them fill it out as you go through the interview. Explain their rights in the system.
2. Emphasize their right to be informed and participate.
3. Let them know how important they are to the case, but inform them that while their voice will be heard, that the ultimate decision about how to handle the case is yours as the Deputy District Attorney.

Talking about the case:

1. Tell the victim that there is no confidentiality available between you and her. Anything the victim says in the meeting will need to be disclosed to the defense attorney through discovery.
2. Explain that the defense counsel or their investigator may try to speak with them. It is up to the victim whether or not she speaks with them. It is her choice.
3. Further explain that she certainly has the right to ask for identification from anyone who comes inquiring about the case. Show her your I.D. so she is familiar with what a District Attorney’s Office I.D. looks like.

Explain legal process of case, both background and anticipated future. Review the facts of the case:

1. Recognize there may be sensitive issues.

Explain the defense attorney’s role Offer helpful guidance to make the victim feel more comfortable:

1. Explain the Child Care and parking options
2. Let them know where they can eat lunch
3. Ask if they have any additional logistical concerns and help to resolve them
4. Let them know about Room 492 and the fact that we will try our best to keep them away from the Defendant and the defendant’s family.