THE SCALES OF VICTIMIZATION 2016 Office of Justice Program’s Conference on Crime & Victimization

THE SCALES What does each side of the scale represent? How are the scales impacted? Who is responsible for weighing on them? Are they ever balanced? - Who decides if they are? What does the outcome of the scales mean for healing?

WHAT IMPACTS THE SCALES? Type of crime Location Demographics of victim/survivor Demographics of offender Relationship to victim/survivor and offender Physical Injury Network of support Decisions of victim/survivor

Victims/Survivors will feel burdened by decisions. Victims/Survivors know what is best for them.

I trust she knew what she was doing.

I had decisions to make and options to choose from: Who to tell? How to cope/function/survive? What services? (advocacy center, hospital) Report to law enforcement or not? Utilize university system? Go home? Stay in school?

My options were defined by circumstances. I had supportive family and friends to tell. I was able to access a therapist and made an instant connection. I felt safe to go to a hospital and advocacy center. I felt able to report to law enforcement. I had an additional option to seek some form of justice through the university – and I did. I had my family home to go back to – and I did.

As an advocate, I was privileged to share space with victim/survivors and witness what their options were and what decisions burdened them.

AND THE GUILT SETS IN…

WHERE DO YOU SEE THIS IN YOUR WORK? Support Groups “What’s the worst case you’ve EVER worked on?” Others?

IMPACT FOR HEALING If victims/survivors are not feeling validated? If assumptions are made about their healing? If a victim/survivor is minimizing the victimization?

WHAT IF… …those scales feel balanced and victimization occurs again?

ADVOCACY RESPONSE Advocates should not be negatively impacting the scales. Check your biases Remain consistent Educate community Support other professionals and allies Keeping victims/survivors informed of their options Advocating for training to respond inclusively

CONTACT INFORMATION Karla Bauer Bobbi Holtberg MN Alliance on Crime or