Section 5: Strategies for Applying the Victim-Centered Approach The Role of the Victim and Victim Advocate in Managing Sex Offenders

Section 5: Strategies for Applying the Victim-Centered Approach 2 Learning Objectives Participants will be able to: zDevelop strategies to identify and reach out to sexual assault victim advocacy organizations.

Section 5: Strategies for Applying the Victim-Centered Approach 3 The Victim-Centered Approach zRemember that the victim-centered approach involves: yBroadening our lens in order to include the victim as our client; yIncorporating ways to work with the victim advocates in our communities; ySeeking and incorporating victim input into our supervision decisions; and yAsking the question: what would be best for the victim in this situation?

Section 5: Strategies for Applying the Victim-Centered Approach 4 Completing Your Victim Services Chart zTalk to a victim advocate who can provide information about victim services in your area. zTalk to other officers in your agency to see who and what they know about victim services. zLook on the Web at the different agencies in your locality (e.g., DA’s office, rape crisis center, etc.). zLook up victim services in the phone book. zContact a national resource such as the National Sexual Assault Coalition Resource Sharing Project, at

Section 5: Strategies for Applying the Victim-Centered Approach 5 How Do We Benefit? zMore information about offenders’ cycles of offending and modus operandi; zMore information about offenders’ history; zInput on release planning and setting conditions of supervision; zBetter, more specific and accurate treatment and supervision plans; and zHelp in monitoring offenders.

Section 5: Strategies for Applying the Victim-Centered Approach 6 Conclusion zQuestions zReview key points of this training: yWhat victim-centered approach is and its value; yWho victim advocates are and what do they do; yWho victims of sexual assault are and what we know about them; yResponses to sexual assault and things that might influence someone’s response to sexual assault; and yVictims’ needs in terms of their involvement with us and the criminal justice system in general. zEvaluations