Preventing Revictimization in Sexual Assault Investigations: Personal Security and Trauma-Informed Case Management^*

Abstract

How we treat victims determines the amount of information we gain from a victim interview. It is also crucial for the security of victims, and for preventing revictimization in a criminal procedure. Nancy Oglesby, Esq., a career prosecutor, and Director of Justice 3D, was interviewed to highlight the necessity of trauma-informed, victim-focused interview practices. Oglesby has handled thousands of domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and sexual violence cases with a trauma-informed, victim-centered criminal justice approach. The interview raises awareness of law enforcement, prosecution, victims’ advocacy professionals, and college students aspiring to continue in the field of special victims.

Keywords:

• Trauma
• victim
• security
• prosecution
• investigation

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Nancy Oglesby for her time dedicated to this interview. She guest lectured in my Women and Crime course at Virginia Tech about sex crime investigations several times. I am honored to have been invited to her training. I also thank Berkeley Oglesby, my former Criminology student, for introducing me to her mother, Nancy.

Notes

1 Project Horizon, Lexington, Virginia: https://www.projecthorizon.org/