Vision 21: Multidisciplinary Responses in Complex Homicide Cases

• NCJ Number: 250945
• Date Published: August 2017
• Length: 2 pages
• Publication Series: OVC Fact Sheets
• Agencies: OVC
• Publication Type: Technical Assistance; Program/Project Description; Instructional Material

Annotation

This report outlines the efforts of the U.S. Justice Department's Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) to improve services to the family or community impacted in a "complex" homicide case, using the framework of Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services Initiative, which is the first comprehensive examination into the crime victims field in 15 years.

Abstract

As viewed in this effort, "complex" homicide cases may include gang-related homicides, intrafamilial homicides, homicides involving child witnesses, and deaths that involve impaired driving. In addressing victims impacted in such cases, this report focuses on the implementation of Recommendation #3 of the Vision 21 Initiative. The recommendation is to "Ensure statutory, policy, and programmatic flexibility to address enduring and emerging crime victim issues." Under this recommendation, the project for improving services to victims of complex homicide cases is focusing on improving multidisciplinary intervention for the victims within 24 to 48 hours of a death. In developing and promoting such efforts, seven demonstration sites were selected to develop and implement multidisciplinary responses to homicide that are victim-centered, trauma informed, and effective in responding to the needs of families and communities after a complex homicide. These demonstration sites in various States are listed in this report. The National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) and the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) will partner to provide direct training and technical assistance to the demonstration sites. These organizations will compile a report that summarizes all the sites' evaluation efforts, and they will also publish and disseminate a compendium of promising practices and resources from the projects.