Home      Login

Abstract: 

The way people cope as victims of crime depends largely on their experiences and on the way that others treat them immediately after the crime. Although victims of sex crimes have particular needs because of the particularities of their trauma, university personnel and law enforcement officers are in a unique position to help victims cope with the immediate trauma of the crime and help them regain a sense of security and control over their lives. As first responders, university personnel and the police have the responsibility of meeting victims at a time when their trauma is heightened, and their sense of vulnerability is most tender. It is important for these officers to address victims with sensitivity and compassion, especially victims of sex crimes.

Keywords: The National Sheriffs’ Association; Office for Victims of Crime;

Affiliations:  1: Research, Development, and Grants Division of the National Sheriffs’ Association.