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

2. Overview
Crime Demographic
Expectations
Measure of Success

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

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

5. 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”

6. Victims
Identifying victims
Grooming victims
Controlling victims

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

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