- I WAS A VICTIM OF CRIME: CONSEQUENCES AND REACTIONS
- THE RIGHTS OF VICTMS OF CRIME
- RIGHT TO INFORMATION
- RIGHT TO RECEIVE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE COMPLAINT
- RIGHT TO TRANSLATION
- RIGHT TO VICTIM SUPPORT SERVICES
- RIGHT TO BE HEARD
- RIGHTS IN THE EVENT OF A DECISION NOT TO CHARGE THE DEFENDANT
- RIGHT TO MEDIATION
- RIGHT TO LEGAL INFORMATION AND PROTECTION
- RIGHT TO COMPENSATION FOR PARTICIPATION AND TO REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES
- RIGHT TO THE RETURN OF PROPERTY
- RIGHT TO COMPENSATION
- RIGHT TO PROTECTION
- RIGHTS OF VICTIMS WITH SPECIFIC PROTECTION NEEDS
- RIGHTS OF VICTIMS RESIDENT IN ANOTHER EU MEMBER STATE
- CRIMINAL COURT PROCEEDINGS
- WHO’S WHO IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
VICTIM SUPPORT OFFICER
The victim support officer* is an APAV worker with the proper qualifications whose job is to identify, accompany and provide support to victims of crime.
The victim support officer understands how the victim feels and what they are going through after the crime and it is his/her job to help the victim overcome or, at least, mitigate its impact.
To perform these duties, victim support officers have a number of professional and personal skills. In addition to holding academic qualifications in an area closely related to the needs of crime victims, such as psychology, law, social services, among others, they have received specialised training in victim support. Therefore, they have in-depth knowledge about issues such as the consequences of victimisation, victim's reactions, and available support services, etc.
At a personal level, these officers are able to listen to the victim, understand their fragility at this time and provide emotional support, accept what the victim is willing to tell and also what he/she is not willing to talk about and respect their decisions, even when they don’t agree with them because they consider that they are not the best for the victim.
When necessary, a victim support officer can accompany the victim to court or to the police, or while forensic exams are being conducted. At these times, it is important for the victim to have someone with them who they can trust and who can provide support.
*In Portuguese: técnico de apoio à vítima.
This term is an APAV registered trademark.