Protected Groups or a “Special Victims”? Who are they?
SPECIAL VICTIMS AND PROTECTED GROUPS — A REFRESHER FOR LEO's!
Understanding the who is considered a special victim or in a protected group not only ensures the well-being of those affected but also plays a pivotal role in the legal outcomes of cases. Here's a short refresher to aid you in this critical aspect of policing.
I. Special Victims:
Special victims require specific attention due to their vulnerabilities. Identifying these individuals promptly allows for tailored investigative approaches, providing the necessary support and ensuring justice. Examples include:
Children: Governed by the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA).
Elderly Individuals: Covered under the Older Americans Act (OAA).
Persons with Disabilities: Protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Human Trafficking Victims: Governed by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA).
Domestic Violence Victims: Addressed under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
Sexual Assault Victims: Covered by VAWA and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).
Hate Crime Victims: Protected by the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
We get busy , going from call to call. It might be easy to forget a victim may be in a protected class!
II. Recognizing Protected Groups:
Understanding and identifying individuals within legally protected groups is vital for upholding equal treatment. Recognizing these groups in your investigations can have significant legal implications, potentially leading to more severe punishments for offenders. Here are a few of such groups:
Race, Ethnicity, Religion: Protected under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Gender: Addressed by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity: Covered by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
National Origin: Governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Disability: Protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Age: Covered by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).
Pregnancy: Addressed under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA).
Military / Veteran Status…and more.
III. Importance and Benefits:
Recognizing special victims and individuals within protected groups is not just ethically crucial—it can impact legal outcomes significantly. Cases involving these individuals may lead to more severe punishments for offenders, underscoring the importance of thorough and sensitive investigations.Thank you for your dedication to excellence in policing.
I hope this helps you to be even more prepared to handle business out there!
—Team TacBook