WTC Records Folder 0128 Disaster Information General label, 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Responding to Terrorism Victims - Oklahoma City and Beyond Page 8 of 10

Recommendation 6

The U.S. Department of Justice should assist victims with media requests by providing a media liaison with expertise In working with victims to reduce unnecessary trauma to victims and to ensure that journalists have access to the information they need to cover the story without negatively affecting victims.

Discussion High-profile cases, such as terrorism cases, elicit intense media attention. The following issues must be considered when giving media what they need without overwhelming victims or violating their privacy and freedom of movement:

■ Coordination of large numbers of requests for information from the media.

. Protection of victims who do not wish to interact wit

■ Assurance of accuracy of reports.

■ Assurance of sensitive and fair treatment of victims.

Recommendation 7

Federal court personnel should have policies and procedures law and relevant court decisions affecting victim participatioi proceedings.

Discussion New statutes were passed in the wake of the Oklahoma City have been changes related to restitution aiid othervictim-rela - - pp rting a project by the National Center for State Courts t _ __ . _..,r suppo

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book for state and local judges and court personnel on victim participation in court proceedings. The federal courts should consider developing a similar bench book or include victim issues in the standard bench book already in use.

Recommendation S

The U.S. Department of Justice should develop and implement a plan for support and assistance to the vicarious trauma impact on investigators, minimize

prosecutors, and victim assistance personnel who are directly involved with primary victims.

Discussion Being involved in a mass-casualty terrorism case is an intense experience at physical, emotional, and psychological levels. The closer an individual works wit1 traumatized victims, the more likely he or she will experience secondary trauma. Agencies ask a great deal of employees who handle these cases, and they should ensure that assistance and support is available to their employees. Efforts should be made to provide information about vicarious trauma to personnel and

http://www.ojp.usdoj.90v/ovc/publications/infores/respterrorisnitchap9.htm] 9/29/01

NYC-WTC 000137339