VICTIM/WITNESS SUPPORT STRATEGY GOALS: The following strategy is aimed at addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of victims and witnesses, to reduce incidents of fear and intimidation that undermine the pursuit of truth and justice in criminal cases. Benefits include improved services aimed at addressing the safety and well-being of victims and witnesses, increased confidence in the criminal justice system, greater likelihood of conviction for violent offenders, and greater awareness and respect for every citizens' responsibility to participate in the criminal justice system when called upon to do so. I. COMMUNITY BASED STRATEGY: · TEAM APPROACH TO ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT VICTIMS AND WITNESSES Witnesses to violent crimes often find it difficult to come forward and provide truthful testimony either because of overt intimidation or because of a feeling of being alone or isolated in court and in their own communities. In order to provide moral support and encouragement to victims and witnesses of violent crime to come forward a team comprised of a Suffolk County prosecutor and Victim Witness Advocate, a Boston Police Officer, and a member of the clergy will meet directly with witnesses. These meetings will aim to address concerns where needed and impress upon victims and witnesses their legal rights and responsibilities. These meetings will take place in the homes and communities of witnesses, or in safe and supportive settings outside of the community. · DEMONSTRATE COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS AND WITNESSES In direct response to community calls for greater community involvement to ensure that offenders and their supporters receive the message that law abiding residents own their own neighborhoods, the City of Boston, Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, Boston Police Department and clergy will work with and encourage community groups to participate more actively in the criminal justice system by actually escorting victims and witnesses to court and sitting in the courtroom while they testify at trial. Their presence in the courtroom and at other legal proceedings lends strong moral support to victims and witnesses, and sends an equally strong message to those who might try to intimidate victims and witnesses that the community is united in pursuit of justice. · COMMUNITY LEADER TRAINING TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS AND WITNESSES The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office and the Boston Police Department will provide training to community leaders (including clergy, if they wish) to teach them proper techniques to show support for victims and witnesses and encourage their pursuit of justice through the criminal justice system. Training topics will include: 1. Impact of Crisis and Crime on Individuals and Communities: How Traumatic Bereavement Differs From Ordinary Grief 2. How can Clergy/Community Leaders better assist survivors of homicide 3. How the court process functions and how it can affect the grieving process 4. Supporting Witnesses to Violence- Addressing the difficulty issues victims and witnesses face coming forward to testify Return to the previous page.