This "tip sheet" from the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center describes the crucial role of victim assistance professionals (VAPs) in the readiness phase of a mass violence incident (MVI) and recommends ways to improve future responses to MVIs.
This tip sheet describes 17 existing and envisioned roles for VAPS in the preparation for and response to MVIs. It advises that the recommendations outlined pertain to a variety of professionals who support victims of MVIs. Although some of the tips may apply to all VAPs, others may be relevant to only a few in a subset, such as victim compensation professionals, court-based victim advocates, and community-based victim advocates. VAPs may research and write an "After-Action Report" that is specific to the overall effectiveness of VAPs' response to the MVI. VAPs can provide leadership in applying to the Justice Department's Anti-terrorism and Emergency Assistance Program, which provides long-term support to communities impacted by MVIs. VAPs can also define the scope of long-range services to victims and survivors, their family members, witnesses, and first responders, as well as community members impacted by MVIs. VAPs can contribute to the creation of a Resilience Center in the community affected by an MVI. Such a Center could continue to identify and address survivor needs. A list of potential functions of a Resilience Center are listed. Other VAP functions outlined pertain to the facilitation of victims' access to services, informing victims/survivors of their statutory rights, providing advocacy for victims in criminal prosecutions, conducting training in trauma-related services, helping organize and publicize memorial events and physical memorials for MVI victims, and becoming active in law reform and future coordinated responses related to MVIs.