Chapter Four Empowering Victims. Victimology: Legal, Psychological, and Social Perspectives, 3 rd ed. Wallace and Roberson © 2011 Pearson Higher Education,

Chapter Four

Empowering Victims

Victimology: Legal, Psychological, and Social Perspectives, 3rd ed.Wallace and Roberson

© 2011 Pearson Higher Education,Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights

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One common feeling experienced by victims of crime when they become involved in the criminal justice system is helplessness. Victim service providers can assist victims in overcoming this feeling of helplessness by providing them with advice regarding the different ways that they may become involved in the system.



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Media

The media have the ability to bring crime directly into our living rooms. It is therefore critical for victim service providers to understand how the media works and how to effectively communicate with them.



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Relations with the Media

Occasional conferences between the victim services provider and the news director of the television, or radio station, and the editor or publisher of the newspaper

Establishing an ongoing relationship with the media is necessary

Based on trust and mutual respect



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Preparing for and Conducting the Interview

Understanding the goal of the media assists in the preparation

Preparation before the interview can help relieve some anxiety

Knowledge about the facts of the incident and the agency’s position can enhance the communication

Speak clearly in everyday language and avoid jargon

Be professional



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Legislation

The Legislative Process How a bill becomes a law

Advocacy Most common form is lobbying

Purpose is to inform, educate, and persuade elected officials to support certain legislative goals



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Public Speaking

Preparing for the Speech Rules of communication change when moving from one-on-one to a group setting

Possible equipment malfunctions

Drafting the Speech Prepare an outline of the topics to be discussed

Draft an outline of the main points of discussion

Revise the outline several times Remember, we write differently than we speak Prepare an outline and deliver the speech based on the outline

When writing a speech, start at the middle or end



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Some Do’s and Don’ts of Public Speaking

Understand the topic of the speech Know the audience and direct the speech to their interests and knowledge level

Humor is excellent, but it can backfire Always be on time and dress appropriately Do not read the speech verbatim Understand how long the speech is to last and stay within that time limit

When possible, use visual aids to assist in making your points

Rehearse as often as possible Ask for honest feedback from the person that requested the speech



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Fundraising

Some victim assistance programs receive a steady flow of funds to administer their programs. However, most must participate in fundraising activities.



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Types of Fundraisers

Grants Cash donations, by either the federal or state government, or private foundations, for specific projects

Local fundraising events Dinners Banquets Auctions House or garden tours Sporting events

Documents

Chapter Four Empowering Victims. Victimology: Legal, Psychological, and Social Perspectives, 3 rd ed. Wallace and Roberson © 2011 Pearson Higher Education,