Another important component of the Unit's functions is to assist victims in creating Victim Impact Statements. "Victim input is solicited in the form of a written Victim Impact Statement, however witness input is verbal. The needs of the victims and witnesses are relayed to the appropriate persons" (Victim/Witness, 2013, Office of Monmouth County Prosecutor). This data may be used when deciding to prosecute a crime or in sentencing. One of the reasons that victim's rights agencies have become more common and established throughout the United States was the belief that the impact of the crime upon the life of the victim in terms of pain and suffering must be taken into consideration. Often, victims are still extremely traumatized and have difficulty articulating what happened to them. The personnel at the Unit are specially trained to deal with victim reticence and they are oriented in techniques to make talking about the...
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