Victim Impact Panel (VIP)

***** Other Opportunities Court Monitor Victim Impact Panel Victim Advocate

Panels are held throughout Northern Virginia. Current information concerning the dates and times of Victim Impact Panels in this area may be found by returning to our homepage.

One of MADD's most widely recognized programs, the Victim Impact Panel, gives victims of drunk driving crashes an opportunity to share their story with first- and second-time DUI offenders. As part of their probation, first- and second-time DUI offenders are mandated in many jurisdictions to hear the poignant stories of those whose lives have been permanently affected by an impaired driver.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that drunk driving recidivism rates are lower among offenders who attend these MADD panels. Historically, it also has been believed that serving on panels has mental health benefits for victim speakers. In 1994, Dr. Dorothy Mercer and Dr. Roseanne Lorden, both psychologists at Eastern Kentucky State University, conducted a three-year study to assess this theory.

In the study, 482 drunk driving crash victims who have served on panels were compared to 903 victims who have not. The study showed panelists had more positive psychological adjustment than non-panel victims.

Panelists reported that their lives returned to "near normal" more quickly, their religious faith often strengthened and they had an added sense of purpose or goals. Panelists were more likely than non-panelists to aid in their own healing by seeking the support of others and reported higher levels of social support. Panelists also were less angry with the drunk driver than non-panelists and they felt more in control of their lives. Additionally, panelists believe that panels will save lives and change people's attitudes and behaviors and provide an opportunity for venting feelings about their crashes. Most panelists (82 percent) reported that participation helped them; 10 percent were neutral. The most common positive reaction was that panel participation made the trauma more bearable and increased self-confidence.

But for some, speaking on panels triggered a temporary return of negative experiences such as intrusive thoughts (22 percent), nightmares (10 percent), depression (17 percent) and anger (25 percent). Very few (1 percent) thought that panel participation was "very harmful;" slightly more found panel participation "moderately harmful" (3 percent) or "mildly harmful" (4 percent).

One possible explanation for better functioning among panelists is that they may be better adjusted people. However, panelists and non-panelists didn't differ on reported pre-crash functioning. MADD participation in other areas didn't explain the differences either because many non-panelists were active with MADD in other ways.

But on average, a longer time had elapsed since their crashes for panelists than for non-panelists. Although about one-fourth of both groups had sought pre-crash mental health counseling, more panelists sought counseling after their crashes than did non-panelists.

Statistical tests showed that passage of time and more counseling also accounted for differences regarding depression, self-esteem, total support received, avoidance, intrusive recollections, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and life satisfaction. But even after statistically controlling for the influences of time and counseling, the study showed that panel participation significantly helped victims.

Panels enable victims to "re-experience" their trauma with a high degree of control, build supportive relationships with other panelists, reduce anger and increase self-confidence.

If you are interested in becoming a panel member please contact MADD Northern Virginia (703) 379-1135. Other Opportunities

• Court Monitor
• Victim Impact Panel
• Victim Advocate