Course type
One-day, face-to-face course.
Who attended?
This course was developed for workers within the disability sector, who may be required to support people who have been victims of crimes, to access the criminal justice system. It was also relevant for other community service workers who work with victims of crime, but who do not have specific experience working with people with cognitive disabilities.
Course Description
The course was underpinned by the rights of people with disabilities to have access to justice and to be free from exploitation, violence and abuse.
It was designed to build workers knowledge regarding the increased risk of victimisation of people with cognitive disabilities, the barriers to accessing justice and the rights of victims. It also provided workers with skills to respond to disclosures and knowledge about the support needs of clients at different stages during the criminal justice process.
The course was interactive and used a range of activities, videos and case studies to assist in building knowledge and skills.
Course Outcome
By the end of this workshop participants were helped to:
- Understand the prevalence of crime and barriers to accessing justice for victims with a cognitive disability
- Understand best practice in responding to a disclosure from a victim
- Understand the support needs of a victim of crime following the court process
- Had knowledge of the support needs of a victim of crime at the police station and the role of a support person
- Had knowledge of the support needs of a victim of crime through the court process and the role of a support person
Course materials
- The following course materials were provided and are available for download:
Supporting Victims of Crime – Facilitator’s Guide (to provide the trainer with how the course was to be delivered)
Supporting Victims of Crime – Participants Notes (for the attendees to take away)
Supporting Victims of Crime – PowerPoint Slides
- Links to Videos used During the Course: