Process for Victims of Violence

Victims of violence covers a broad span of topics, some of which are covered in more detail in specific topics, e.g. Domestic Violence. Other victims include those who have been assaulted, raped been victims of school or workplace crime and so on.

Remember, victims may include those who were the target of the victimization, as well as others affected by the crime such as parents, spouses, friends, or witnesses.

Crisis intervention provides the basis for immediate intervention. It should be as soon as possible following victimization. Its goal is to provide psychological first aid and empathetic listening along with tangible assistance to meet the immediate needs of the individual.

If a person is admitted to the hospital as a result of violence or is identified to be at risk for further violence, Hospital Security should be contacted. Hospital Security interacts with local and state police. They can verify that the appropriate police know about the crime and/or report the crime if necessary. Remember that Michigan Law states that certain crimes need to be reported to the police. Most times this is done prior to the person's arrival at the emergency room and/or admission to the hospital. If you have information about police agency involvement, document it in the chart.

Patient Alias. Sometimes it is determined that it would provide additional safety for a patient to be given an alias. Security should be consulted before this is done. If an alias is provided, patient and family need to be instructed about its proper use and to limit the number of people who have the information. Of necessity then, when a patient has an alias for safety reasons, visitation might be limited.

The National Center for Victims of Crime provides a number of brochures for victims of various crimes. For a complete listing see the Get Help Series of brochures. These brochures cover back ground information on the crime, reactions and getting help.

If the event has made it into the media and public relations has contacted social work about whether the victim or his/her family wants to speak with the media, you should approach the patient and/or family about their thoughts and feelings about this. They do not have to speak to the media. On the other hand, if they wish to speak to the media they can appoint a family respresentative to speak to the media. You might consider giving them one or both of the brochures from the National Center "Interviews with Media-Tip Sheet" or "Privacy and the Media".

If the patient is a victim, then provide with information on crime victims. Information and application on line at Michigan.gov in Department of Community Health.

Evidence Based Practive Information