NCJ Number
244042
Date Published
December 2011
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This paper argues that having specialized prosecution units for cases of domestic and sexual violence, or specialized prosecutors in smaller jurisdictions, results in greater skills not only in building and prosecuting such cases, but also in increasing victim participation and satisfaction with the management of the case.
Abstract
Specialized prosecutors recognize that close working relationships with law enforcement and victim advocates provide victim safety and offender accountability. Prosecutors who regularly manage domestic and sexual violence cases are familiar with the particular issues and factors likely to determine case outcomes that enable them to be more efficient and skillful in building a case and resolving evidentiary challenges. One of these factors is victim participation in providing details of the events of the crime. Consequently, specialized prosecutors are more likely to emphasize the role of victim advocates in preparing victims for their role in holding offenders accountable for their victimization. Specialized prosecutors also appreciate the importance of using experts to explain victim behavior in both domestic and sexual violence cases, particularly when lay jurors are likely to misunderstand victim behaviors in the aftermath of an assault. Specialized prosecution units also focus on the acquisition of knowledge and training related to domestic violence and sexual assault, so that they have a better understanding of both offender and victim behaviors. One concern about prosecutors specializing in domestic and sexual violence cases is the experience of "vicarious trauma," which involves "sympathetically experiencing the trauma that the victim experienced." This can lead to professional "burnout," which can be addressed through various services offered by professional associations. 10 notes