U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Justice Programs

Office for Victims of Crime

to 

Victims

of 

Crime

First

Response

Office for Victims of Crime

Advocating for the Fair 

 Treatment of Crime Victims

Office for Victims of Crime

2001
The Office for Victims of Crime is a component of the Office of Justice

Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the

Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, and the

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

This publication is provided solely as an information resource and is not intended to serve as legal

advice or assistance. Although a professional effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the

contents, no warranty is expressed or implied.

U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Justice Programs

810 Seventh Street NW.

Washington, DC 20531

John Ashcroft

Attorney General

Deborah J. Daniels

Assistant Attorney General

John W. Gillis

Director, Office for Victims of Crime

Office of Justice Programs

World Wide Web Home Page

www.ojp.usdoj.gov

Office for Victims of Crime 

World Wide Web Home Page

www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc

For grant and funding information contact

U.S. Department of Justice Response Center

1–800–421–6770

OVC Resource Center

1–800–627–6872

(TTY 1–877–712–9279)

OVC Resource Center Home Page

www.ncjrs.org

This handbook was prepared by the National Sheriffs’ Association

under grant number 97–VF–GX–0002, awarded by the Office for

Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of

Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions expressed in this

document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent

the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

NCJ 189631
First Response 

to Victims of Crime

A Handbook for Law Enforcement Officers

on How To Approach and Help

Elderly Victims

Victims of Sexual Assault

Child Victims

Victims of Domestic Violence

Victims of Alcohol-Related Driving Crashes

Survivors of Homicide Victims

Updated December 2001 NCJ 189631

Office for Victims of Crime

Advocating for the Fair 

 Treatment of Crime Victims
iii

Message From the Director

The purpose of this handbook is to help law enforcement

officers better understand and meet the needs of victims of

crime, particularly during the first response period. Specifically,

this handbook addresses issues that arise during the initial contact between officers and victims. How law enforcement first

responds to victims is critical in determining how victims cope,

first with the immediate crisis and, later, with their recovery

from the crime. In addition, the first response can strongly

influence victims’ subsequent participation in the investigation

and prosecution of the crime. Finally, victims who have had a

positive experience with law enforcement will be more likely to

report future offenses. In this way, a good first response to victims by officers ultimately increases the overall effectiveness of

law enforcement.

Circumstances of the crime and the crime scene determine

when and how the first responding officers are able to address

victims and their needs. Each crime and crime scene are different and require officers to prioritize their performance of tasks.

For example, if the crime is ongoing, or if the collection of 

evidence or investigation of the crime is extremely timesensitive, first responders may not be able to direct their immediate attention to victims. Once the most urgent or pressing

tasks have been addressed, however, officers will then focus

their attention on the victims and their needs. How the officers

respond to victims, explain their competing law enforcement

duties, and work with the victims is very important. 

A handbook of this size cannot address every factor that

may shape encounters between responding officers and crime

victims. Some factors not addressed in this handbook include

the different types of criminal victimization and the different

characteristics among victims, such as cultural background,

intelligence level, financial status, and perceptions of law

enforcement. Additional training offered by law enforcement

academies and in continuing education classes can teach first

responders more about these victims’ issues and needs and how

they impact the first response experience for both the officer

and the victim.
First Response to Victims of Crime 2001

iv

What this handbook offers law enforcement officers are

basic guidelines to observe when approaching and interacting

with six general categories of crime victims: elderly victims,

sexual assault victims, child victims, domestic violence victims,

victims of alcohol-related driving crashes, and survivors of

homicide victims. Ideal for reminding officers of their earlier

victim training and refreshing their perspective, awareness, and

sensitivity toward victims, this handbook would be very useful

for retraining officers in the inservice setting, at roll calls, and

in recertification programs. Also, located in the back of the

handbook is a list of national victim resources that includes

hotlines and other toll-free numbers to help officers help victims find the resources they need to cope with and recover

from their victimization. Placing a copy of this handbook with

agency dispatchers would further serve victims of crime as they

make telephone contact with law enforcement; the numbers

and information would be a valuable resource that law enforcement personnel could share with victims. Finally, if a law

enforcement agency is without written directives or orders

about the proper handling of victims, the handbook could be

used as a working model for developing a victim policy for the

department.

This handbook is a reminder that every victim deserves to

be treated with courtesy, respect, and fairness. When victims

and law enforcement personnel work together and help each

other, the effectiveness of the entire criminal justice system

increases.

John W. Gillis

Director

Office for Victims of Crime
v

Acknowledgments

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) wishes to acknowledge the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) and the author 

of this handbook, Timothy O. Woods, J.D., M.A., Director of

Research and Development at NSA. Also, OVC extends special

thanks to Candace Matthews, Assistant Professor at The George

Washington University, for her editorial support in the production of this document.
vii

Contents

I. Basic Guidelines on Approaching Victims of Crime .....1

II. Elderly Victims ..........................................................6

III. Victims of Sexual Assault .........................................9

IV. Child Victims ...........................................................12

V. Victims of Domestic Violence .................................15

VI. Victims of Alcohol-Related Driving Crashes..........17

VII. Survivors of Homicide Victims................................21

VIII. National Victim Resources ......................................24

IX. Victim Services Directory .......................................26
1

I. Basic Guidelines on Approaching Victims of Crime

I. Basic Guidelines on Approaching 

Victims of Crime 

Background

The way people cope as victims of crime depends largely on

their experiences immediately following the crime. As a law

enforcement officer, you are usually the first official to approach

victims. For this reason, you are in a unique position to help

victims cope with the immediate trauma of the crime and to

help restore their sense of security and control over their lives.

Circumstances of the crime and the crime scene determine

when and how the first responding officers are able to address

victims and their needs. This publication recognizes that each

crime and crime scene is different and requires officers to prioritize their performance of tasks in each situation. Generally,

officers must attend to many tasks, including assessing medical

needs, determining facts and circumstances, advising other personnel, and gathering and distributing suspect information. It is

helpful to keep in mind that apprehension of the suspect is the

primary duty of law enforcement and that accomplishing this

task helps not only the suspect’s current victims but potential

victims as well. Sometimes the first responders must delay their

attendance to the victims if the situation requires. For example,

if the crime is ongoing, or if the collection of evidence or investigation of the crime is extremely time-sensitive, first responders may not be able to direct their immediate attention to the

victims. However, as soon as the most urgent and pressing tasks

have been addressed, officers will focus their attention on the

victims and their needs. At this point, how the officers respond

to the victims, explain the competing law enforcement duties,

and work with the victims is very important.

By approaching victims appropriately, officers will gain their

trust and cooperation. Victims may then be more willing to provide detailed information about the crime to officers and later

to investigators and prosecutors, which, in turn, will lead to the

conviction of more criminals. Remember that you are there for

the victim, the victim is not there for you.

You can help victims by understanding the three major

needs they have after a crime has been committed: the need to
feel safe; the need to express their emotions; and the need to

know “what comes next” after their victimization. The information in this handbook is designed to show you how to meet

these needs.

Tips for Responding to Victims’ Three Major Needs

Victims’ Need To Feel Safe

People often feel helpless, vulnerable, and frightened by the

trauma of their victimization. As the first response officer, you

can respond to victims’ need to feel safe by following these

guidelines:

● Introduce yourself to victims by name and title. Briefly

explain your role and purpose.

● Reassure victims of their safety and your concern by paying

close attention to your own words, posture, mannerisms,

and tone of voice. Say to victims, “You’re safe now” or “I’m

here now.” Use body language to show concern, such as nodding your head, using natural eye contact, placing yourself at

the victims’ level rather than standing over seated victims,

keeping an open stance rather than crossing your arms, and

speaking in a calm, sympathetic voice.

● Ask victims to tell you in just a sentence or two what happened. Ask if they have any physical injuries. Take care of

their medical needs first.

● Offer to contact a family member, friend, or crisis counselor

for victims. 

● Ensure privacy during your interview. Conduct it in a place

where victims feel secure.

● Ask simple questions that allow victims to make decisions,

assert themselves, and regain control over their lives.

Examples: “Would you like anything to drink?”; “May I 

come inside and talk with you?”; and “How would you like

me to address you, Ms. Jones?” 

● Assure victims of the confidentiality of their comments

whenever possible.

● Ask victims about any special concerns or needs they may

have.

First Response to Victims of Crime 2001

2
● Provide a “safety net” for victims before leaving them. Make

telephone calls and pull together personal or professional

support for the victims. Give victims a pamphlet listing

resources available for help or information. This pamphlet

should include contact information for local crisis intervention centers and support groups; the prosecutor’s office and

the victim-witness assistance office; the state victim compensation/assistance office; and other nationwide services,

including toll-free hotlines.

● Give victims—in writing—your name and information on

how to reach you. Encourage them to contact you if they

have any questions or if you can be of further help.

Victims’ Need To Express Their Emotions

Victims need to air their emotions and tell their story after

the trauma of the crime. They need to have their feelings

accepted and have their story heard by a nonjudgmental listener. In addition to fear, they may have feelings of self-blame,

anger, shame, sadness, or denial. Their most common response

is: “I don’t believe this happened to me.” Emotional distress

may surface in seemingly peculiar ways, such as laughter.

Sometimes victims feel rage at the sudden, unpredictable, and

uncontrollable threat to their safety or lives. This rage can even

be directed at the people who are trying to help them, perhaps

even at law enforcement officers for not arriving at the scene of

the crime sooner. You can respond to victims’ need to express

their emotions by following these guidelines:

● Avoid cutting off victims’ expression of their emotions. 

● Notice victims’ body language, such as their posture, facial

expression, tone of voice, gestures, eye contact, and general

appearance. This can help you understand and respond to

what they are feeling as well as what they are saying. 

● Assure victims that their emotional reactions to the crime

are not uncommon. Sympathize with the victims by saying

things such as: “You’ve been through something very frightening. I’m sorry”; “What you’re feeling is completely normal”; and “This was a terrible crime. I’m sorry it happened

to you.”

● Counter any self-blame by victims by saying things such as,

“You didn’t do anything wrong. This was not your fault.”

I. Basic Guidelines on Approaching Victims of Crime

3
● Speak with victims as individuals. Do not just “take a

report.” Sit down, take off your hat, and place your notepad

aside momentarily. Ask victims how they are feeling now

and listen.

● Say to victims, “I want to hear the whole story, everything

you can remember, even if you don’t think it’s important.”

● Ask open-ended questions. Avoid questions that can be

answered by “yes” or “no.” Ask questions such as “Can you

tell me what happened?” or “Is there anything else you can

tell me?”

● Show that you are actively listening to victims through your

facial expressions, body language, and comments such as

“Take your time; I’m listening” and “We can take a break if

you like. I’m in no hurry.”

● Avoid interrupting victims while they are telling their story.

● Repeat or rephrase what you think you heard the victims

say. For example, “Let’s see if I understood you correctly.

Did you say . . . ?”; “So, as I understand it, . . .”; or “Are you

saying . . . ?”

Victims’ Need To Know “What Comes Next” After Their

Victimization

Victims often have concerns about their role in the investigation of the crime and in the legal proceedings. They may also

be concerned about issues such as media attention or payment

for health care or property damage. You can help relieve some

of their anxiety by telling victims what to expect in the aftermath of the crime. This will also help prepare them for upcoming stressful events and changes in their lives. You can respond

to victims’ need to know about what comes next after their victimization by following these guidelines:

● Briefly explain law enforcement procedures for tasks such as

the filing of your report, the investigation of the crime, and

the arrest and arraignment of a suspect.

● Tell victims about subsequent law enforcement interviews or

other kinds of interviews they can expect.

First Response to Victims of Crime 2001

4
● Discuss the general nature of medical forensic examinations

the victim will be asked to undergo and the importance of

these examinations for law enforcement.

● Explain what specific information from the crime report will

be available to news organizations. Discuss the likelihood of

the media releasing any of this information.

● Counsel victims that lapses of concentration, memory losses,

depression, and physical ailments are normal reactions for

crime victims. Encourage them to reestablish their normal

routines as quickly as possible to help speed their recovery.

● Give victims a pamphlet listing resources available for help

and information. This pamphlet should include contact

information for local crisis intervention centers and support

groups; the prosecutor’s office and the victim-witness assistance office; the state victim compensation/assistance office;

and other nationwide services, including toll-free hotlines.

● Ask victims whether they have any questions. Encourage

victims to contact you if you can be of further assistance.

I. Basic Guidelines on Approaching Victims of Crime

5
II. Elderly Victims

Background

When elderly people are victimized, they usually suffer

greater physical, mental, and financial injuries than other age

groups. Elderly victims are twice as likely to suffer serious physical injury and to require hospitalization than any other age

group. Furthermore, the physiological process of aging brings

with it a decreasing ability to heal after injury—both physically

and mentally. Thus, elderly victims may never fully recover

from the trauma of their victimization. Also, the trauma that

elderly victims suffer is worsened by their financial difficulties.

Because many elderly people live on a low or fixed income, they

often cannot afford the professional services and products that

could help them in the aftermath of a crime.

It is understandable why the elderly are the most fearful of

crime. Elderly people, in fact, face a number of additional worries and fears when victimized. First, they may doubt their ability to meet the expectations of law enforcement and worry that

officers will think they are incompetent. They may worry that a

family member, upon learning of their victimization, will also

think they are incompetent. Further, they may fear retaliation

by the offender for reporting the crime. Finally, elderly people

may experience feelings of guilt for “allowing” themselves to be

victimized. Depending on your approach as a first responder,

you can do much to restore confidence in and maintain the dignity of the elderly victims you work with.

Tips for Responding to Elderly Victims

● Be attentive to whether victims are tired or not feeling well.

● Allow victims to collect their thoughts before your interview.

● Ask victims if they are having any difficulty understanding

you. Be sensitive to the possibility that they may have difficulty hearing or seeing, but do not assume such impairments. Ask victims if they have any special needs, such as

eyeglasses or hearing aids.

First Response to Victims of Crime 2001

6
II. Elderly Victims

7

● Ask victims whether they would like you to contact a family

member or friend.

● Be alert for signs of domestic violence or neglect, since studies indicate that 10 percent of the elderly are abused by

their relatives.

● Give victims time to hear and understand your words during

the interview.

● Ask questions one at a time, waiting for a response before

proceeding to the next question. Avoid interrupting victims.

● Repeat key words and phrases. Ask open-ended questions to

ensure you are being understood.

● Avoid unnecessary pressure. Be patient. Give victims frequent breaks during your interview. 

● Protect the dignity of victims by including them in all 

decisionmaking conversations taking place in their presence.

● For hearing-impaired victims, choose a location free of distractions, interference, and background noise, and:

❑ Face the victim so your eyes and mouth are clearly 

visible.

❑ Stand or sit at a distance of no more than 6 feet and no

fewer than 3 feet from the victim.

❑ Begin speaking only after you have the victim’s attention

and have established eye contact.

❑ Never speak directly into the victim’s ear.

❑ Speak clearly, distinctly, and slightly slower than usual.

Keep your questions and instructions short and simple.

Do not overarticulate your words.

❑ If necessary, talk slightly louder than usual but do not

shout. Extremely loud tones are not transmitted as well

as normal tones by hearing aids.

❑ Be prepared to repeat your questions and instructions

frequently. Use different words to restate your questions

and instructions.
First Response to Victims of Crime 2001

8

● Provide enhanced lighting if victims are required to read.

Ensure that all print in written materials is both large

enough and dark enough for victims to read.

● Provide victims written information that summarizes the

important points you communicated verbally so they can

refer to this information later.

● Remember that elderly victims’ recollections may surface

slowly. Do not pressure them to recollect events or details;

rather, ask them to contact you if they remember anything

later.

● In all your comments and interactions with elderly victims,

their families, and other professionals involved in the case,

focus on the goals of restoring confidence to and maintaining

the dignity of the elderly victims you work with.
III. Victims of Sexual Assault

9

III. Victims of Sexual Assault

Background

Sexual assault is one of the most traumatic types of criminal

victimization. Whereas most crime victims find it difficult to

discuss their victimization, sexual assault victims find it especially painful. One obvious reason for this is the difficulty that

many people have in talking about sex. A more important 

reason, however, is that many victims of sexual assault are

intensely traumatized not only by the humiliation of their physical violation but by the fear of being severely injured or killed.

The three primary responsibilities of law enforcement in

sexual assault cases are to (1) protect, interview, and support

the victim; (2) investigate the crime and apprehend the perpetrator; and (3) collect and preserve evidence of the assault that

will assist in the prosecution of the assailant.

In the investigation and prosecution of most sexual assault

cases, the role of the victim is much more important than in

other crimes since the victim is usually the sole witness to the

crime. Unfortunately, sexual assault victims are sometimes

reluctant to cooperate with law enforcement because they fear

the perpetrator will return to retaliate.

Only men and women who have suffered the trauma of 

sexual assault themselves can begin to understand the depth

and complexity of the feelings experienced by sexual assault

victims. Even so, your approach as a first responder to sexual

assault victims can significantly affect whether the victims begin

the road to recovery or suffer years of trauma and anguish.

Tips for Responding to Victims of Sexual Assault

● Be prepared for virtually any type of emotional reaction by

victims. Be unconditionally supportive and permit victims to

express their emotions, which may include crying, angry

outbursts, and screaming.

● Avoid interpreting the victim’s calmness or composure as

evidence that a sexual assault did not occur. The victim
First Response to Victims of Crime 2001

10

could be in shock. (Note: False accusations of sexual assault

are estimated to occur at the low rate of 2 percent—similar

to the rate of false accusations for other violent crimes.)

● Approach victims calmly. Showing your outrage at the crime

may cause victims even more trauma.

● Ask victims whether they would like you to contact a family

member or friend.

● Offer to contact a sexual assault crisis counselor. Ask victims

whether they would prefer a male or female counselor. In

addition, ask the victims whether they would prefer talking

with you or a law enforcement officer of the opposite sex.

● Be careful not to appear overprotective or patronizing.

● Remember that it is normal for victims to want to forget, or

to actually forget, details of the crime that are difficult for

them to accept.

● Encourage victims to get medical attention, especially to

check for possible internal injuries. In addition, a medical

examination can provide evidence for the apprehension and

prosecution of the victim’s assailant. Keep in mind, however,

that victims may feel humiliated and embarrassed that their

bodies were exposed during the sexual assault and must be

exposed again during a medical examination. Explain what

will take place forensically during the examination and why

these procedures are important.

● Notify the hospital of the incoming victim/patient and

request a private waiting room. Escort victims to the hospital. If no crisis intervention counselor is available, wait at

the hospital until victims are released and escort them to

their destination.

● Be mindful of the personal, interpersonal, and privacy concerns of victims. They may have a number of concerns,

including the possibility of having been impregnated or contracting sexually transmitted diseases such as the AIDS

virus; the reactions of their spouse, mate, or parents; media

publicity that may reveal their victimization to the public;

and the reactions or criticism of neighbors and coworkers if

they learn about the sexual assault.
III. Victims of Sexual Assault

11

● Interview victims with extreme sensitivity. Minimize the

number of times victims must recount details of the crime

to strangers. If possible, only one law enforcement officer

should be assigned to the initial interview and subsequent

investigation.

● Offer to answer any further questions victims may have and

provide any further assistance they may need.

● Encourage victims to get counseling. Explain that your recommendation for counseling is based on having seen other

victims benefit from it in the past. Explain that they may

experience posttraumatic stress symptoms in the next few

months. Identify and refer them to support services for 

assistance.
First Response to Victims of Crime 2001

12

IV. Child Victims

Background

The victimization rate for children 12 through 19 is higher

than that for any other age group. (Note: Criminal victimization

data are not collected for children under 12 years of age.) In

addition, according to the American Medical Association,

approximately 1,100 children die each year from abuse and 

neglect while 140,000 are injured. Uniform Crime Report 

data indicate that almost 2,000 children under the age of 18

were murdered in 1996. Finally, murder and nonnegligent

manslaughter are the causes of death for approximately 17 percent of children under the age of 19.

When children are victimized, their normal physiological

and psychological adjustment to life is disrupted. Furthermore,

they must cope with the trauma of their victimization again and

again in each succeeding developmental stage of life after the

crime. 

Child victims suffer not only physical and emotional traumas from their victimization. When their victimization is

reported, children are forced to enter the stressful “adult” world

of the criminal justice system. Adults—perhaps the same adults

who were unable to provide protection in the first place—are

responsible for restoring the children’s sense that there are safe

places where they can go and safe people to whom they can

turn. As a law enforcement officer, you can play a key role in

this process and lessen the likelihood of long-term trauma for

child victims.

Tips for Responding to Child Victims

● Choose a secure, comfortable setting for interviewing child

victims, such as a child advocacy center. If such an interview setting is not available, choose a location that is as

comfortable as possible. Take the time to establish trust and

rapport.

❑ Preschool children (ages 2 through 6) are most comfortable at home—assuming no child abuse took place
IV. Child Victims

13

there—or in a very familiar environment. A parent or

some other adult the child trusts should be nearby.

❑ For elementary school-age children (ages 6 through 10),

the presence of a parent is not usually recommended

since children at this age are sometimes reluctant to

reveal information if they believe they or their parents

could “get into trouble.” However, a parent or some

other adult the child trusts should be close by, such as in

the next room.

❑ Preadolescents (ages 10 through 12 for girls and 12

through 14 for boys) are peer-oriented and often avoid

parental scrutiny. For this reason, they may be more

comfortable if a friend or perhaps the friend’s parent(s)

is nearby.

❑ Since adolescents (generally, ages 13 through 17) may

be fearful of betraying their peers, it may be necessary to

interview them in a secure setting with no peers nearby.

● Realize that children tend to regress emotionally during

times of stress, acting younger than their age. For example,

8-year-olds may suck their thumb. 

● Use language appropriate to the victim’s age. Remember

your own childhood and try to think like the victim. Avoid

“baby talk.”

● Since young children often feel they may be blamed for

problems, assure preschool and elementary school-age children that they have not done anything wrong and they are

not “in trouble.”

● Be consistent with the terms you use and repeat important

information often.

● Ask open-ended questions to make sure victims understand

you.

● Use care in discussing sexual matters with preadolescent

and adolescent children, as their embarrassment and limited vocabulary can make conversation difficult for them. At

the same time, do not assume that victims, including elementary school-age children, are as knowledgeable about

sexual matters as their language or apparent sophistication

might indicate.
First Response to Victims of Crime 2001

14

● Maintain a nonjudgmental attitude and empathize with victims. Because elementary school-age children are especially

affected by praise, compliment them frequently on their

behavior and thank them for their help.

● Remember the limited attention span of children. Be alert to

signs that victims are feeling tired, restless, or cranky. When

interviewing preschool children, consider conducting a

series of short interviews rather than a single, lengthy one.

Also, consider postponing the interview until the victim has

had a night’s sleep. However, in this case, be sure not to wait

too long before interviewing preschool children because victims at this age may have difficulty separating the events of

the victimization from later experiences.

● Encourage preschool children to play, as it is a common

mode of communication for them. You may find that as

children play, they become more relaxed and thus more

talkative.

● Limit the number of times victims must be interviewed.

Bring together for interviews as many persons from appropriate public agencies as possible, including representatives

from the prosecutor’s office, child protective services, and

the medical/health care community.

● Include victims, whenever possible, in decisionmaking and

problem-solving discussions. Identify and patiently answer

all of their questions. You can reduce victims’ insecurity and

anxiety by explaining the purpose of your interview and by

preparing them, especially elementary school-age children,

for what will happen next.

● Show compassion to victims. Children’s natural abilities to

cope are aided immensely by caring adults.

● Although the immediate victim is the child, do not forget to

comfort the nonoffending parents. Referrals regarding how

they can cope, what they can expect, as well as how to talk

to and with their child should be provided.
V. Victims of Domestic Violence

15

V. Victims of Domestic Violence

Background

Domestic violence is a crime, not a family matter, and

should be approached as such by law enforcement. U.S.

Department of Justice statistics indicate that approximately 20

percent of homicides are committed within families or within

intimate relationships, and one out of three female homicide

victims is killed by an intimate. Furthermore, approximately 28

percent of violent crimes against females are committed by husbands or boyfriends. Finally, approximately 50 percent of

domestic violence occurs between married partners and 25 percent between nonmarried partners living together, both involving mainly male assailants and female victims.

The three primary responsibilities of law enforcement in

domestic violence cases are to (1) provide physical safety and

security for victims, (2) assist victims by coordinating their

referral to support services, and (3) make arrests of domestic

violence perpetrators as required by law.

Unlike most other victims of crime, victims of domestic violence do not usually suffer a “sudden and unpredictable” threat

to their safety or lives. More often, domestic violence involves

years of personal stress and trauma, as well as physical injury.

Thus, in domestic violence cases—unlike in other crimes—your

ability to help victims cope with and recover from their victimization may be limited.

Tips for Responding to Victims of Domestic Violence

● Because domestic violence cases present potential dangers,

responding officers should arrive in pairs at the scene if 

possible. Introduce yourself and explain that you were called

because of a possible injury. Ask permission to enter the 

residence to make sure everything is okay.

● Separate the parties involved in domestic violence before

interviewing them, even if they are not violent or arguing

when you arrive.
First Response to Victims of Crime 2001

16

● Ask victims whether they would like you to contact a family

member or friend.

● Avoid judging victims or personally commenting on the situation. Abusive relationships continue for many reasons.

Offering advice to the victim at the scene will not solve this

complex problem.

● Even if no children are present at the scene, ask whether

there are children in the family, and, if so, find out their

whereabouts. Keep in mind that children sometimes hide or

are hidden in these circumstances.

● Approach children with care and kindness. Look for signs of

emotional trauma or distress. Be attentive to physical indications of child abuse since domestic violence is sometimes

linked with child abuse.

● Even when no domestic violence charges can be filed,

encourage the parties to separate for a short period—at least

overnight. If victims’ safety at home can be assured, consider

asking assailants to leave. Although law enforcement officers

have traditionally asked victims to leave the home, this

serves to disrupt their lives even further, especially when

children are involved.

● Assure victims that the purpose of your intervention is to

help address the problem, not to make the situation worse.

● Provide victims with referral information on domestic violence shelters and battered women’s programs. This should

be done away from the offender.

● Remember that domestic violence can occur in same-sex

relationships.

● Be sure to complete a thorough report.
VI. Victims of Alcohol-Related Driving Crashes

17

VI. Victims of Alcohol-Related Driving

Crashes

Background

According to 1998 statistics from the National Highway

Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), odds are about 3 in 

10 that at some point in life a person will be involved in an

alcohol-related driving crash. More than 305,000 people were

injured during 1998 in crashes in which law enforcement officers reported that alcohol was present. NHTSA estimates that in

1999 approximately 15,786 people died in alcohol-related driving crashes.

Drunk-driving victimization is generally severe and long lasting. Research funded by the National Institute of Mental Health

concluded that 5 years after victimization most victims remain

psychologically, physically, and financially impaired. Twenty

percent of victims feel they will never again experience a normal life.

The law enforcement officer with knowledge about the

unique nature of injury and death in alcohol-related driving

crashes will be forever remembered by victims—or survivors of

victims—as a first responder who knew how to help. And don’t

forget, it could just as easily have been you who was injured or

killed by the drunk driver. Awareness of this fact will give you

patience, humility, and courage.

Tips for Responding to Victims of Alcohol-Related

Driving Crashes

● Avoid words and phrases that discount the victim’s emotional and physical trauma. For example, do not use the words

“At least” and “You’re lucky,” as in, “At least the drunk driver wasn’t speeding,” or “You’re lucky to be alive.” Such

words will not comfort victims and may even hurt or anger

them. Victims may be in shock or feeling fear, pain, panic,

and confusion. Suggesting to victims that they are lucky or

fortunate is not appropriate at this time.
First Response to Victims of Crime 2001

18

● Help the victim driver cope with feelings of guilt and failure.

When a passenger has been injured or killed, the victim driver often feels guilty for not having avoided the crash with a

last-second decision or maneuver. Gently encourage victim

drivers to approach such feelings with rational thinking and

to try to appreciate that the crash probably could not have

been avoided. Explain to victim drivers that their last-second

actions were only a small part of a complex sequence of

events leading up to the crash.

● Urge all victims to get immediate medical attention even

when no signs of injury are present. Explain to victims that

alcohol-related crashes are a leading cause of traumatic

brain injury (also called closed head injury) in which the

brain is injured without a skull fracture. Victims with such

an injury may show no immediate symptoms and interact

normally with first responders. Later, however, consequences

of the brain injury may disrupt the victim’s life. As health

problems develop, victims and medical professionals often

do not connect them back to the alcohol-related crash.

Without medical examinations at the time of the crash,

these victims may never realize that their problems stem

from the crash.

● Expect ambivalent and conflicting feelings and statements

from victim passengers in the drunk driver’s vehicle. It can

be difficult for them to blame the drunk driver if he or she is

a friend or family member. In addition, victim passengers

may be reluctant to share information because they worry

about possible criminal justice consequences for the offending driver. 

● Make sure your attitude and choice of words reflect the reality that drunk driving is a crime, usually a violent one, and

that it has victimized many, many people. Your actions and

words should reflect your knowledge that the consequences

of drunk-driving victimization are as devastating as those of

other violent crimes. Drunk driving is a crime, not an “accident.” Just as there is no such thing as a robbery accident 

or a rape or murder accident, there are no drunk-driving

accidents.
VI. Victims of Alcohol-Related Driving Crashes

19

● Be prepared for victims to be emotional or even hostile.

Sometimes, victims strongly believe that law enforcement

does not treat the crime of drunk driving seriously enough,

and they may express their views to you. Remain nonjudgmental and polite as you accept victims’ reactions and listen

to them state their views. Do not argue or contradict what

victims say. Listening attentively makes victims feel they

have been heard. Show empathy for their pain and suffering,

but do not say “I understand” when clearly no one can.

● Support family members who want to view and spend time

with the body of their loved one. Survivors often have a

strong psychological need to get to the body of their loved

one as soon as possible and spend time with it. Be sensitive

to the family’s suffering. Knowing that death from an alcoholrelated crash almost always causes violent injury to the

body, and knowing the pain such devastating images may

cause surviving family members, your initial reaction may

be to refuse the family access to the body out of a sense of

compassion. However, refusal only increases the survivors’

pain. First, offer to view the body on behalf of the family and

provide a detailed description to them. If family members

still wish to see and be with the body, support their right to

do so. Holding and touching a loved one’s body gives the survivors the chance to say goodbye while the victim’s body is

still in its natural state, before funeral home preparation.

Viewing the body can help survivors begin the process of

accepting the death.

● Choose your words with care and sensitivity. For many survivors, the distinction between “died” and “killed” takes on

important significance after a drunk-driving crash fatality.

The word “died” ignores the victimization. The word “killed”

signifies the deliberate or reckless taking of life.

● Look for and place in safekeeping any personal articles of

the victims, such as clothing and jewelry, found at the crash

scene. In a survey on satisfaction with the criminal justice

system’s response to drunk-driving crashes, nearly twothirds of the respondents were satisfied with law enforcement’s investigation of cases, but many felt that officers had
First Response to Victims of Crime 2001

20

failed to protect the victims’ personal property. This perception was a source of hurt and bitterness.

● Review the Survivors of Homicide Victims section for additional tips on responding to the needs of survivors of victims

killed in alcohol-related driving crashes.
VII. Survivors of Homicide Victims

21

VII. Survivors of Homicide Victims

Background

Homicide is a crime with more than one victim. Nothing can

ever prepare survivors for the day they are suddenly told their

loved one has been murdered. Survivors suffer the shock of the

sudden loss of their loved one and anger that the loved one did

not have to die. Murder crushes survivors’ trust in the world

and their belief in social order and justice.

Many survivors of homicide victims say that the most traumatic event of their lives was when they were notified of the

death. One of the most difficult duties a law enforcement officer

must perform is providing notification to the family of murdered

victims. An inappropriate notification can prolong survivors’

grieving process and delay their recovery from the crime for

years. Proper notification by you can restore some of the survivors’ trust and beliefs and help them to begin a new life.

Tips for Responding to Survivors of Homicide Victims

● Know the details surrounding the homicide victim’s death

before notification. Survivors often want to know the exact

circumstances of their loved one’s death.

● Have confirming evidence of the homicide victim’s identity

in the event of denial by the survivors. Be sensitive to the

possibility that the victim may have been leading a life

unknown to the survivors, such as involvement in drugs,

extramarital affairs, or homosexuality.

● Know as much as possible about the homicide victim’s survivors before notification. Notify the appropriate closest survivor first. 

● Make notifications in person.

● Conduct notifications in pairs. You can contact local volunteers who are specially trained in death notification through

your local clergy or crisis intervention agency. Also, the

National Organization for Victim Assistance (800–879–6682)

may be able to refer you to volunteers in your area.
First Response to Victims of Crime 2001

22

● Do not bring personal articles of the homicide victim with

you to the notification.

● Conduct the notification in a private place after you and the

survivors are seated.

● Avoid engaging in small talk upon your arrival. Do not build

up slowly to the reason for your visit or to the actual

announcement of the death of the survivor’s loved one.

Finally, do not use any euphemisms for the death of the

loved one, such as “She passed away,” “We lost her,” “She

expired,” or “She left us.” Be compassionately direct and

unambiguous in giving notification to survivors. For example: “We’ve come to tell you something very terrible. Your

daughter has been killed in a carjacking. I’m so sorry.” 

● Ask survivors whether they would like you to contact a

family member or friend.

● Have one person take the lead in conducting the notification. The other person should monitor survivors for reactions dangerous to themselves or others.

● Accept survivors’ reactions—no matter how intense or

stoic—in a nonjudgmental, empathetic manner. Survivors

may cry hysterically, scream, collapse, sit quietly, or go into

shock.

● Be prepared for survivors’ possible hostility toward you as a

representative of law enforcement and avoid responding

impolitely or defensively.

● Show empathy for survivors’ pain and suffering, but do not

say “I understand” when clearly no one can.

● Refer to the homicide victim by name out of respect to the

victim and survivors. Do not use terms like “the deceased”

or “the victim.”

● Listen to survivors and answer all of their questions.

● Make telephone calls to other survivors of the homicide victim at the request of the immediate survivors. If possible,

make arrangements for someone to be with these survivors

before they receive your telephone notification. If this is not

possible, ask the survivors to sit down once you’ve contacted

them before you make the notification. Ask for permission to
VII. Survivors of Homicide Victims

23

call a neighbor, a friend, or a crisis intervention counselor to

be with the survivors after the notification. Tell each person

you contact the names of others who have been notified.

● Show respect for survivors’ personal and religious or nonreligious understandings of death. Do not impose your personal

beliefs about death on survivors by saying of the victim, for

example, “She’s in a better place now.” 

● Explain to survivors that everyone grieves differently.

Encourage them to be understanding and supportive of one

another.

● Before leaving survivors, make sure that someone can stay

with them and that they have contacts for support services.
First Response to Victims of Crime 2001

24

VIII. National Victim Resources

Provide the following national resources and hotlines to

victims as appropriate:

Battered Women’s Justice Project

(800) 903–0111

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Indian Country Child Abuse Hotline

(800) 633–5155

Childhelp USA/Forrester National Child Abuse Hotline

(800) 422–4453; (800) 222–4453, TDD

Family Violence Prevention Fund/Health Resource Center

(800) 313–1310

Justice Statistics Clearinghouse

(800) 732–3277

Juvenile Justice Clearinghouse

(800) 638–8736

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

(800) 438–6233

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

(800) 843–5678; (800) 826–7653, TDD

National Center for Victims of Crime

(800) 394–2255

National Children’s Alliance

(800) 239–9950

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information

(800) 729–6686; (800) 487–4889, TDD; (800) 735–2258,

Hearing Impaired

National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect

(800) 394–3366
VIII. National Victim Resources

25

National Criminal Justice Reference Service

(800) 851–3420; (800) 787–3224, TDD

National Fraud Information Hotline

(800) 876–7060

National Organization for Victim Assistance

(800) 879–6682

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

(800) 537–2238; (800) 553–2508, TDD

Office for Victims of Crime Resource Center

(800) 627–6872; (877) 712–9279, TTY

Parents of Murdered Children

(888) 818–7662

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network

(800) 656–4673

Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Child Protection,

and Custody

(800) 527–3223
First Response to Victims of Crime 2001

26

IX. Victim Services Directory 

The local public and private agencies and organizations listed

below are prepared to assist victims at no cost:

Agency/Organization Telephone

Law Enforcement

Office of the Sheriff

Police Department

Other

Legal

Office of the Prosecutor

Victim/Witness Assistance Office

Office of the Court Clerk

State Compensation/Assistance Office

Other

Social Services/Support Groups

Mental Health Services

Drug/Alcohol Treatment Center

Child/Adult Protective Services

Support Groups

Other

Emergency Services

Crisis Intervention Center

Rape Crisis Center

Shelter(s)

NOTES:
IX. Victim Services Directory

27

This Directory was prepared by the National Sheriffs’ Association.

Services Provided

Law Enforcement

Legal

Social Services/Support Groups

Emergency Services

NOTES:
First Response 

to Victims of Crime

A Handbook for Law Enforcement Officers

on How To Approach and Help

Elderly Victims

Victims of Sexual Assault

Child Victims

Victims of Domestic Violence

Victims of Alcohol-Related Driving Crashes

Survivors of Homicide Victims

For copies of this guide and/or additional information, 

please contact:

Office for Victims of Crime Resource Center (OVCRC)

P.O. Box 6000

Rockville, MD 20849–6000

Telephone: 1–800–627–6872 or 301–519–5500

(TTY 1–877–712–9279)

Or order OVC publications online at www.puborder.ncjrs.org.

E-mail questions to askovc@ojp.usdoj.gov.

Send your feedback on this service to tellncjrs@ncjrs.org. 

Refer to publication number NCJ 189631.