Initial Approach to Victim

Once all available information is gathered and checked, the next step is to contact the victim and organise an interview.

This topic covers the main factors to be considered when contacting/interviewing the victim.

Initial contact with victim

Victims must be treated with courtesy, compassion and with respect for their personal dignity and privacy.

The initial contact with the victim is to ask whether they want a face-to-face interview. The victim could be contacted by telephone but contact by letter is preferable. In the case of victims of violence or sexual offences the telephone should not be the initial means of contact.

When possible, use a victims advisor or victim support to assist.

Action: How and when this contact was made, and any details that were discussed should be recorded on the assessment form.

If victim is a child

If the victim is a child (i.e. under 14 years) other sources of information should always be used, rather than interviewing the child directly. These sources should be acknowledged where possible.

The local manager of Child, Youth and Family (CYF) should be informed of any acts of violence or sexual assault against children. It should be discussed with them whether a visit by their service is needed or desirable.

Content of initial contact

When making this initial contact, the victim should be informed about:

• (victim not obliged to meet the offender)
• the role of the probation officer in the process
• the possible content of the reparation report
• who can have access to the report, and
• how the sentence of reparation works.

The victim's view on reparation/emotional harm should be established.

Respect for victim's wishes

If the victim does not wish to discuss the offence, the emotional harm, loss or damage suffered, such wishes must be respected. These should be included in the report to the court.

Victim's preference of probation officer

The victim should be given an opportunity to express a preference to liaise with a probation officer with whom they feel comfortable, especially in the case of victims of sexual assault. If this is not possible for any reason, efforts should be made for a member of the community to accompany the probation officer.

In either case, the victim may have any support people they wish present at the meeting.

Arrangements for victim interview

When arranging an interview with the victim, take the following into account:

• privacy and confidentiality (organise a suitable private room)
• disability (access to the location and facilities must be accommodated)
• child care or welfare (facilities or activities must be available)
• the age of the victim
• the nature of the offence, and
• any other needs of the victim.

Location of interview

The following locations may be appropriate for the interview:

• the victim's home (only by invitation from the victim)
• CPPS offices, or
• any neutral location, such as a suitable room in a local marae or church (where the victim does not wish to use the above options).

If support is needed immediately

If at any stage during the process a victim has an immediate need for social or personal support then this should be provided until a referral can be made.

Avoid repetition of information

It is important to avoid upsetting the victim during the preparation of a reparation report on emotional harm. This means avoiding asking them to repeat information already covered in a police interview in preparation for a Victim Impact Statement.

Note: Although the reports cover similar ground, they have different purposes.