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Apply Medical First Aid
o Even if you are a police officer, as the first responder on the scene, you
may sometimes have to be the one to apply first aid until further medical
help arrives.
o Calmly explain to the crime victim what you are doing, especially when
you are touching the victim or doing an otherwise intimate procedure,
such as applying a breathing mask or removing clothing.
o If possible, let the victim help you treat them if they want. This may be as
simple as having them hold a bandage on their arm or letting them undo
their own clothing, but it can offer a much-needed quick restoration of
control in a situation where the victim is otherwise reeling in a state of
helpless disorientation.
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Respect the Victim’s Wishes
o This principle is more generally related to restoration of the victim’s
sense of control and should be followed whenever reasonable.
o If, for example, the victim wants a family member or friend to remain
with them during treatment or questioning, let that person stay.
o Don’t take offense if the victim refuses to let you touch, treat, or even
talk to them. You may look, act, speak, smell, or have the same name as
the perpetrator.
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Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for the Security Sector
o The priority is to make sure any physical injuries get treated.
Validate the Victim’s Reactions
o Always try to validate the traumatic ordeal the victim has been through
and, as realistically as possible, reinforce their resilience and coping
efforts thus far.
o In general, build on the victim’s own resources to increase their feelings
of self-efficacy and control. You can say: “I can see this must have been
a terrible experience for you. I’m glad to see you’re handling it as well as
you are.”
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Investigate Sensibly and Sensitively
o After ascertaining that the victim is physically intact and in sufficient
emotional shape to have a conversation, briefly verify essential details
of the criminal incident. You can ask: “Please tell me what happened to
you. Did it happen here or in another location?”
o Police officers should do whatever they can to secure the crime scene
while calling for appropriate backup, if necessary. If possible, remove
the victim from the scene to a safer or more neutral location.
o Be sensitive and tactful with onlookers and media. Make sure cooperate
with paramedics and other vital responders.
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