There are several types of the questions asked during the interview of the victims that helps for the further investigation or to arrest the offender. (9, pocket guide)
Victim Impact Statements
A victim impact statement in her own words is a valuable tool for the investigation of such cases. It may be written or oral information about the crime and how it has been affected them. In New York all 50 states allow victim statements at some important phase of the sentencing process. Most states permit them at parole hearings, and victim statement information is generally included in the pre-sentencing report presented to the judge.
The main purpose of victim statements is to allow victims of sexual abuse, during the decision-making process on
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There are two significant differences between the two court systems: the burden of proof necessary, and the role of the victim in each process.
In a criminal case, conviction requires “proof beyond a reasonable doubt.” the state controls the proceedings and the victim acts as a witness for the prosecution. In a civil case liability must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence and the victim controls essential decisions shaping the case, including whether to sue, accept a settlement offer or go to trial.
In the criminal justice system, the process begins after a crime has been committed and reported to law enforcement. If an arrest has been made and charges filed, the offender may be prosecuted and the crime is considered “a crime against the state.” The prosecutor represents the interests of the state, and the process is meant to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused
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However, the Internet has also played a growing role in sex crimes. Cyber stalking—threatening behavior or unwanted advances using the Internet or other high-tech communication is a well documented problem. Mobile phone, surveillance, and computer technologies provide new ways to harass or intimidate victims. Photos or video taken during a sexual assault can be quickly and widely shared, creating further trauma for victims. Potential criminals increasingly use chat rooms and quick messaging to seek victims, whether adults or youth. A recent youth survey, while not specifically assessing sexual victimization, illustrates the popularity of online harassment of adolescents (2006 Youth Internet Safety Survey). According to the survey 1,500 youth age 10 to 17 that use the Internet regularly, almost one in ten reported being threatened or harassed online. About one in three felt threatened or embarrassed because of information that was posted or sent to someone else about them and about one in four also reported an aggressive offline contact, approximately two of three youth did not tell a parent. Using quick messaging, sites, and chat rooms each increased a youth’s risk of Internet harassment. Controlling the excessive use of the Internet is difficult. Adding a statewide agency to the other local, state, and national partners enhances the task force’s ability to