Friday, March 7, 2008

Revictimization Caught on Tape

Although you will often here that criminal justice professions have received many hours of sensitivity training, many stereotypes and unscrupulous tactics seem to still be employed towards victims of sensitive crimes (aka sexual or domestic violence). Every so often in the news a victim is disbelieved and revictimized in the system meant to provide justice for them and society against violent criminals.

This story broke recently of a 13 year old girl who had been abducted and sexually assaulted, and then interrogated by a detective who made it more than clear he did not believe this young lady's story. The harsh interrogation (rather than a sensitive, victim-friendly questioning) is shown on tape at the following news link:

http://wcco.com/local/iteam.i.team.2.366870.html
(I-TEAM: DNA, Charges Mean Vindication For Victim)

How is it possible that such individuals are detectives on sensitive crime units? When victims are treated in this matter after surviving one of the most horrendous crimes, they should be given the most highly qualified, trained, and understanding professionals of the criminal justice system to assure they are not revictimized or intimidated. Can you imagine your daughter suffering this treatment??