This article emphasizes the bond of victimization that is based on the similarities in the injuries endured by victims. Such injuries are financial, physical, emotional or social. At the same time, the paper stresses that each victimization is unique due to the attributes of an individual and the nature of the trauma suffered. Program elements of victim assistance are outlined as: crisis intervention; supportive counselling and advocacy; and support during investigation, prosecution, and after-case disposition. Several areas are identified for future focus: violence prevention, emotional first aid, comprehensive outreach to all populations, research, community-wide disaster response, trauma mitigation, international networking and the need to make rights real.
“A Victim is a Victim:” LGBT Blindness among Victim Assistance Workers
