What is one key goal of victim-centered investigations?

• A. To secure property damages
• B. To limit the number of interviews the victim must endure
• C. To locate the suspect immediately
• D. To collect DNA from all witnesses

Answer: (B)

Victim-centered investigations focus on the victim’s safety, well-being, and dignity throughout the process. A core aim is to minimize retraumatization by limiting how many times the victim must recount the incident. This means interviews are conducted with sensitivity, using trauma-informed practices, and information is gathered through methods that avoid forcing the victim to relive the event repeatedly—often by coordinating with advocates, using existing records, and spreading questions over fewer, well-planned interviews. These steps help the victim feel supported and more able to participate in the investigation without being overwhelmed.

Other options miss this primary emphasis. Securing property damages, while potentially relevant to a case, is not about reducing harm to the victim. Locating the suspect quickly is important but is more about investigative efficiency than the victim’s experience. Collecting DNA from all witnesses is a general investigative technique and does not center on the victim’s needs and minimizing trauma.