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Building Bridges Through Understanding
the Impacts of Trauma
Presenter: Trudy Gregorie, Senior Director
Justice Solutions, Washington, DC
Discussion Leader: Shannon Wight, Associate Director
Partnership for Safety and Justice,
Portland, OR
Special Guest: Adela Barajas, Director
L.A.U.R.A., Los Angeles, CA
2
Research Findings (BARJ, Florida Atlantic University)
4 focus groups held regionally across the U.S.
9 victims of violent crime & 7 victims of property crimes
20 juvenile court judges Allied juvenile professionals (including
public defenders, prosecutors, corrections professionals, and victim advocates)
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Findings Relevant to Victims
For virtually all victims, the juvenile court/JJS experience was negative
Victims were nearly unanimous in dissatisfaction with the court process:
Felt lack of respect & little acknowledgment
Thought victims should be treated as “clients” of JJS
Justice Solutions 2005 4
Findings Relevant to Victims
Felt JJS professionals had lack of understanding about victimization
Reported lack of understanding of court process & received little information
Most less interested in punishment than in accountability, especially for restitution
Most expressed strong interest in offender rehabilitation & offender treatment programs
5
Findings Relevant to Victims
Cited “information about the case” as most important
Cited “being heard” and “having input” as equally critical
Very open to more “creative” justice practices (long as participation is voluntary)
Thought more creative alternatives to traditional court processes needed
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Findings Relevant to Judges
General consensus — victim is client of the JJS & has some role in juvenile court
Many expressed feelings of helplessness in responding to victims’ needs (largely due to lack of coordination)
Unanimously reported low rates of victim involvement
Some viewed court processes & management as primary cause of victim dissatisfaction
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Findings Relevant Judges A few felt victims did not belong in court
as they’re incapable emotionally of rationally participating in the process
Nearly all thought victim access to reliable information about their cases was important; generally wanted to increase openness of court processes
Consensus — improvements needed in victim notification, restitution, participation, & victim impact statements (core victims’ rights)
Why Should Juvenile Justice Care About
Crime Victims?
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Why Should Juvenile JusticeCare About Victims?
A lot of common ground: “Best interests of the child” includes helping
them understand impact on their victim, community & others
“Best interests of the child” includes helping them be accountable for the harm they have caused
Victimizers were often past victims Addressing victimization issues also impacts
the cycle of violence
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And What About the Victim?
Felt alienated from juvenile justice processes
The perceived “cloak of secrecy” was upsetting
Victims didn’t (and in some cases, still don’t) understand the juvenile justice system
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And From the Perspective of the Victims’ Rights Field?
Way busy trying to fix the criminal justice system Virtually ignored the juvenile justice system until
the early 1990s
Victims’ rights and services in juvenile justice were, for the most part, non-existent
Juvenile violent crime started rising across the nation…..
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We Started Paying Attention…
1994: “Report and Recommendations on Victims’ Rights and Services in the Juvenile Justice System” “Victims of crime should not be discriminated
against simply because of the age of their offenders” (Sharon English, CA Youth Authority)
Began with juvenile corrections, then expanded to probation and courts
14
We Started Paying Attention…
1996: Restorative justice came along Offender accountability Competency development A “victim-centered” approach to juvenile justice
1997: Office for Victims of Crime and National Council of Juvenile & Family Court Judges partnership
1999: BARJ research 2005: “Impact of Crime on Victims” project
sponsored by OVC, USDOJ
Posttraumatic stress disorder
Problem drug use
Property offending
Violent offending
Domestic violence offending
Domestic violence victimization
Violent victimization
0 10 20 30 40 50
Adolescent Victims and Nonvictims of Violence: Percentage Expected To Experience Adult Problem Out-
comes
Victim in adolescence
Nonvictim in adolescence
Percentage
From Menard, 2002
The Mental Health Impact(National Survey of Adolescents)
Major depression Suicide ideation Higher rates of drug/alcohol consumption,
and a greater likelihood of having alcohol- and other drug-related problems.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (6.2 times more likely to develop PTSD than non- victims)
Sexual Assault and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(National Survey of Adolescents)
Lifetime prevalence of PTSD
Lifetime Prevalence of Substance Use/ Abuse
Lifetime Prevalence of Delinquent Acts
Adolescent males, sexually assaulted
28.2% 34.4% 47.2%
Adolescent males, non-sexually assaulted
5.4% 9% 16.6%
Adolescent females, sexually assaulted
29.8% 27.5% 19.7%
Adolescent females, non-sexually assaulted
7.1% 5.4% 4.8%
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The Cycle of Violence
“When children grow up in violent homes, they must find a way to preserve a sense of trust in people who are untrustworthy, safety in a situation that is unsafe, control in a situation that is terrifyingly unpredictable, power in a situation of helplessness.”
-- Dr. Judith Herman
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Concerns Unique to Victims of Juvenile Offenders
Shock, vulnerability and trauma may be enhanced due to the age of the offender
Victim vulnerability may be increased when the victim knows the juvenile offender
Victims of juvenile offenders may “generalize” about youth.
May hesitate to report feelings of fear, or articulate the need for protection
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Concerns Unique to Victims of Juvenile Offenders (cont.)
Confidentiality protections contribute to victim fears and frustration
Likelihood of receiving full restitution decreases with the age of the offender
Limited participatory rights for victims Parental liability
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Important Considerations for Victim Impact
Victims are asked often to participate in justice processes when they are likely to be most traumatized: At the crime scene Police lineups Facing the alleged offender in court Sentencing hearings Parole hearings
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Important Considerations for Victim Impact (cont.)
The justice process can be very intimidating for victims Often don’t understand their role, and what is going
to happen Victims basic expectations:
“Being treated with respect.” “Being acknowledged as someone who has been
hurt by crime.” “Receiving information about the case.”
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Common Immediate Trauma Reactions: During the Crime
Shocked, surprised, terrified Have feelings of unreality; think it can’t be
happening Have high levels of physiological anxiety
(e.g., rapid heart rate, rapid breathing) Have cognitive symptoms of anxiety (e.g.,
feel helpless and terrified)
26
Common Short-termTrauma Reactions
High anxiety Preoccupation with the crime May or may not look distressed Anger Disturbed concentration Concerns about safety Sleep disturbances Concerns about who to tell Concerns about being believed, and not being
blamed
27
Immediate- and Short-term Trauma Reactions: Examples of Distress
Preoccupation with the crime Concerned about their safety and that of their
loved ones Concerned that they will not be believed, and
be blamed Negative changes in belief systems Chronic trauma evokes feelings of never
knowing when the next attack will occur
28
Long-term Trauma Reactions
Major depression Thoughts of suicide and suicide attempts Use/abuse of alcohol and other drugs Ongoing problems with relationships Anxiety disorders Changing view of the world as “a safe place” Increased risk of further victimization
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Other Long-term Trauma Reactions
Acute Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Theory and Victim Trauma
Stress theory: developmental, chronic/occupational, and acute
Classical conditioning Avoidance (sometimes including avoidance
of helping professionals) Generalizability (about persons and events
that remind them of the offender and crime)
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Victim Trauma TheoryClassical Conditioning
Occurs when a neutral stimulus is paired with a stimulus that produces a particular response
Violent crime victimization is a “real life” classical conditioning experience – the attack is an unconditioned stimulus that produces negative emotions (which are “conditioned stimuli”)
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Possible Conditioned Stimuli
Characteristics of the assailant Characteristics of the crime setting Seeing the assailant in court Testifying about the details of the crime Even helping professionals can evoke
negative emotions in the victim
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Victim Trauma TheoryAvoidance Behavior
This is the most common response to crime-related conditioned stimuli
Victims may avoid contact with and try to escape from situations that remind them of the crime, and they may: Not want to testify Not return phone calls Not respond to contacts from the court or
probation agency
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Victim Trauma TheoryAttribution Theory
Individuals have a compelling need to understand their experience: They are constantly interpreting and
attaching meaning to environmental events How victims view the criminal event, and
how the event is interpreted by the justice system, contribute to a cognitive coping process that can help them regain a sense of control in their lives
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Victim Trauma TheoryEquity Theory
Focuses on: The amount of harm suffered by victims The extent to which they are angry and distressed The degree to which they have been treated in an
inequitable fashion
Can be addressed by: Fair treatment Referrals to services The degree to which the assailant is held accountable
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REMEMBER:
Not all victims endure significant trauma in the aftermath of crime
The range of reactions often depends upon pre- and post-victimization factors, and factors related to the crime
An immediate and ongoing sensitive response always benefits victims!
2010 DCVAA 37
Long TermCounseling
Immediate Empathic Response
Information About: - Resources to help (services & rights) - Options for help(services & rights)
Referrals to: - Victim Assistance - Crisis Intervention - Other supportive services
Short-TermCounseling & Support
Most Serious
Crimes
Less Serious Crimes
LightBaggage
Heavy Baggage
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Types of Crime Victims Most Likely to Need Mental Health Counseling
Pre-victimization Factors: No consistent finding with respect to
demographic characteristics Prior victimization history increases trauma
following a new crime History of prior mental health problems
increases trauma following a new crime, particularly history of PTSD or major depression
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Types of Crime Victims Most Likely to Need Mental Health Counseling
Crime Factors: Life threat and injury increases risk Violent crimes vs. property crimes
Post victimization Factors: Poor social support Degree of exposure to the justice system
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In Addition to the Mental Health Impact of Victimization:
There can also be:
Physical impact
Financial impact
Spiritual impact
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The Physical Impact of Victimization
Physical injuries (from minor to catastrophic)
Insomnia Appetite
disturbance Lethargy Headaches
Stomach aches Muscle tension Nausea Decreased libido (Physical injuries
often affect emotional and psychological responses)
42
The Financial Impact of Victimization
Costs of medical and mental health services
Repairing property or replacing possessions
Higher insurance premiums
Participating in the justice system (child care, attending the trial, etc.)
Taking time off from work
Funeral or burial expenses
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The Spiritual Impact of Victimization
Questioning one’s faith: Feelings of anger, hatred and/or betrayal Is there a “just God”?
Reliance on one’s faith to cope Search for spiritual answers to deal with grief
and trauma Addressing specific faith issues such as
“forgiveness”
44
The Spiritual Impact of Victimization (cont.)
Multi-faiths must be recognized and respected: Christianity Judaism Islam Buddhism Hinduism Native American
With efforts to understand basic premises of each faith
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Victims’ Most Salient Needs
Crisis response Information about
victim compensation Information about
JJS-supported and community-based victim services
Description of JJS “jargon”
Information about JJS & processes relevant to victims
Information about case & offender status
Guidance in VIS Information about
offender’s FLOs
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Basic Crisis Intervention with Crime Victims
Make contact with the victim Provide information regarding what will
happen next and why Interview the victim and identify his/her
needs resulting from the victimization Develop a plan of action to meet those
needs
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Interview Victim for Basic Assessment of Needs:
Type of crime and/or other victimizations Immediate and long-term emotional impact,
as well as any psychological disturbances (e.g., nausea, headaches, and insomnia)
Immediate and lasting physical injuries Financial losses (and whether or not these
were recovered)
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Interview Victim for Basic Assessment of Needs (cont’d):
Experience with criminal/juvenile justice system
Need for assistance in overcoming problems created by the crime
Awareness of existing service agencies; use of and satisfaction with their services
Availability and helpfulness of informal support networks
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Practical Application forVictim Outreach
Recognize each victim as an individual who was harmed by a crime: Each case and each victim are unique
Have a basic understanding of victim trauma so you can make referrals, if needed
Help the victim identify basic needs
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Practical Application forVictim Outreach (cont.)
Explain the justice process and, to the degree possible, what is going to happen
Explain and validate the victim’s important role in justice processes
Provide assistance with completing victim compensation applications
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Practical Application forVictim Outreach (cont.)
Notify victims of the case and offender status, and location of the offender
Solicit victim impact statements that address mental health and impact issues
Identify any needs or concerns related to personal safety: Actual and perceived needs/concerns Provide referrals for safety planning
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Practical Application forVictim Outreach (cont.)
Help the victim document financial losses: Make sure that the offender’s financial/legal
obligations are recognized by the court Be prepared to provide referrals for victim
assistance, counseling, and other supportive services
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Practical Application forVictim Outreach (cont.)
Collaboration among local agencies and community-based victim services is essential! Identify and fill gaps in assistance Avoid duplication of services Create a justice “system” that truly is one
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Core Victims’ Rights: Notification
Considered the “threshold” right The five “W’s” of notification:
Who? Where? When? Why? What are my rights and services?
Follow-on is critical
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Core Victims’ Rights: Victim Impact Statements
Put a face to the victim Give “the other side to the story” Help victims focus on losses and problems
they have endured Make victims feel like “the system cares
about them” Helpful in offender case management
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Model Victim Impact Statement
Describe offense and impact Emotional impact Physical impact Financial impact
Safety concerns (including protective orders)
What do you want to happen now? Victim/offender programming Recommendations for community service Anything else? Notification options
VISExercise
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Core Victims’ Rights:Protection
Actual versus perceived fears Identify safety and security concerns
through victim impact statements What can we do to address these
concerns? Referrals to safety planning Victim support referral
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And the Challenges of Confidentiality…….
Not “what can’t we tell the victim?,” but “what can we tell the victim?”
Important how this information is imparted Relates to victims’ feelings of safety and
security Figure out what victims want to know:
Offer insights into programming for youthful offenders
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Core Victims’ Rights:Restitution
Restitution must be a priority and first in line of legal/financial obligations
Not punishment, but accountability “The offender can’t afford to pay….” (but
can the victim afford it?)
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Restitution and Victims’ Concerns
Failure to enforce contributes to victims’ frustration with the system
Sentimental losses = emotional losses Some losses end victims’ “connections to the
world” “Minor” losses may be major Tenet of offender accountability Increases victim satisfaction
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Core Victims’ Rights:Victim Compensation
Victims of violent crime are eligible for compensation to help pay for costs associated with the crime
Nationwide, one-third of compensation claims are for child abuse victims
Juvenile justice professionals need to advice victims about compensation: www.nacvcb.org
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Mission of Juvenile Court on Victims’ Rights (Pima County, AZ)
“To treat victims with fairness, respect, and dignity, and keep them from intimidation, harassment, or abuse throughout the juvenile justice process: To promote communication between victims
and the Court. To ensure that victims are informed of their
rights & given opportunity to exercise their rights.
To help protect victims from any further loss or injury.”
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NCJFCJ Nine Critical Elements for a Comprehensive Victim Service Program
1. Complete understanding of state statutes
2. Complete understanding of the operations of juvenile/family court
3. Knowledge of whom is responsible for implementation of statutes
4. ID personnel who support victims’ rights
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NCJFCJ Nine Critical Elements for a Comprehensive Victim Service Program
5. Determine role of VSPs
6. Referral of victims to VSPs
7. Development of services for victims & training for staff
8. Participation in various committees
9. Program development & program evaluation
66
Creative Dispositions
Restorative community service Visible and viable Partnerships with victim service agencies Examine every community service placement for
applications to victims Seek opportunities to celebrate victims’ rights and
educate youthful offenders “Hours served” versus “years served” as an
indicator of success
67
Other Creative Dispositions
Offender apologies Re-thinking the process Policies that address victims’ concerns Victim-sensitive correspondence and involvement Classes for offenders
68
Victim/Offender Programming
Victim impact panels and victim awareness classes
Victim-offender mediation or dialogue Community conferencing Opportunities through juvenile offender
reentry initiatives Victim-centered approaches Victim involvement from the beginning….
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Other Creative Approaches
Victim Advisory Councils Victim satisfaction surveys Focus groups of crime victims and juvenile
justice professionals Partnerships with victim service
professionals
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Partnering with Victim Services
Continual cross-training Development of victim information
resources Community service that benefits victims
and those who serve them Identifying victim services:
Office for Victims of Crime On-line Directory www.ovc.ncjrs.org/findvictimservices/
www.navaa.org (statewide links)
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Victim Assistance Programs:Community-based
Rape crisis centers Domestic violence programs and shelters Homicide support groups Drunk driving victim assistance programs Children’s Advocacy Centers Elder protection programs Interfaith-based victim assistance programs
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Victim Assistance Programs:System-based
Law enforcement Prosecution Courts Probation Parole Corrections Attorneys’ General
offices
State victim compensation programs
State VOCA administrators who oversee Federal funding for victim assistance
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Victim Assistance Programs:State Coalitions and Associations
General victim assistance coalitions Sexual assault Domestic violence Staff offices of MADD State associations of victim/witness
professionals State offices of Adult Protective Services State offices of Child Protective Services
74
Victim Assistance Programs: National Coalitions & Associations
Address a wide range of crime victim, criminal justice, juvenile justice and public safety issues
Many have toll-free information and referral numbers
Most have web sites with helpful information for victims
75
Tips for Partnering
Find a good “gatekeeper” to victim services Learn about key players and meet with
them Work with coalitions Engage victims/survivors and advocates in
a serious advisory capacity
76
Why Should Juvenile JusticeCare About Victims?
Victims do care! They care about prevention They care about the offender’s future They want to have input into what happens
to offenders They need & have a right to know about
their risks Inclusion of victims provides basis for
excellent public relations & community outreach opportunities
77
Why Should Juvenile JusticeCare About Victims?
When victims are treated with respect & afforded basic rights, relationship becomes one of advocate as opposed to adversary
When victim connections are made, they are more likely to: Report crimes to police Attend hearings and proceedings Be open to less prohibitive dispositions
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Why Should Juvenile JusticeCare About Victims?
Victims add to the JJS in that they can: Be volunteers Advise on victims’ rights & services Provide guidance in program development Assist with legislative initiatives Help with fundraising for victim-related
programming
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Lessons Learned?…..
Doesn’t have to be “us and them” Victims should be viewed as an opportunity,
and not just an obligation Proactive involvement of victims and
advocates lessens the likelihood of reactive involvement
The juvenile justice system has, in many jurisdictions, risen to the occasion of victim assistance
80
Lessons Learned?…..
“Children have never been any good at listening to their elders,
but they have never failed to imitate them.”
- James Baldwin
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Justice Solutions Resourceswww.justicesolutions.org
“Articles and Publications” Victim Impact Statement Resource Package Sample Conditions of Community Supervision Documenting Losses for Restitution Restorative Community Service Offender Apology Package
Office for Victims of Crime, USDOJwww.ovc.gov
Interactive Discussion
Discussion Leader: Shannon Wight, Associate Director
Partnership for Safety and Justice,
Portland, OR
Special Guest: Adela Barajas, Director
L.A.U.R.A., Los Angeles, CA
