A Focus on the Victim Annette Cox, Manager Victim Witness Assistance Program United States Attorney’s Office U. S. Department of Justice

Overview Crime Demographic Expectations Measure of Success

In General Health Financial Fear-Loss of Independence Shame Stage of Life Isolation Trust

An Important Subset Less likely to recover from victimization Financially Emotionally Physically Targeted for age/disability Odds favor perpetrator/Less likely to report

Less Likely to Report Victims may: Not self-identify as a victim Refuse help Have unclear or disjointed memories Protect the identity of their perpetrator “In order to assist victims of sex trafficking, it is helpful to anticipate some of the actions of the victim and understand that these responses are often a part of learned loyalty, dependency and distrust that has been encouraged by the trafficker or as result of the trauma they have experienced. For example, the victim may: Not self-identify as a victim or a victim of trafficking Refuse help Run away from shelters Have unclear or disjointed memories Lie or provide canned stories Be aggressive Protect the identity of their trafficker/pimp, and others”

Victims Identifying victims Grooming victims Controlling victims

Interview Technique Assess Age Related Function Initial Assumptions Senses (Eyesight and Hearing) Memory Initial Assumptions Practice Heightened Awareness Errors Corrections Ask

Technique Memory Long Term Short Term Other Contributing Factors Quality of Information Other Contributing Factors Some Solutions