Defense-Initiated Victim Outreach (DIVO) seeks to address the needs of victims and their families throughout the legal process by providing a link between survivors and the defense, especially in capital cases. Defense attorneys who represent the accused in criminal cases increasingly are recognizing the potential of the adversarial process to further traumatize victims/survivors. In attempt to ameliorate this source of trauma and to help meet the needs of victim-survivors, defense attorneys seek the assistance of trained Victim Outreach Specialists (VOS) to bridge the gap that usually exists between victims and the defense team. Victim Outreach Specialists provide an opportunity for victims to have access to the defense team, which historically has not been available. This allows for victims to have interaction with both prosecution and defense teams in order to address their questions, concerns and needs. The mission of a defense-initiated VOS, then, is to help victim-survivor identify and meet those needs that can be addressed through direct or indirect contact with the defense team. The VOS works on behalf of victims at the request of the defense team, serving as an advocate for victims’ interests and concerns. As appropriate, the VOS encourages collaborative processes and outcomes that are mutually beneficial to all parties. Responding to victim-survivor concerns, the VOS role may also include, via the defense team, encouragement for the defendant to take responsibility. The VOS is considered an expert adviser, not a “core” member of the defense team. The VOS must maintain the trust and be accountable to the defense team while focusing on victims’ needs and concerns. It is essential that the VOS be appropriately trained in victim-survivor trauma and how to work with victim-survivors; in the processes of capital cases; in the specific tasks, responsibilities and limits of the VOS role; and in basic principles of restorative justice on which this work is based. Principles of DIVO practice Victim-survivors should be provided as much information about the crime, the case and the process as possible, in non-technical language, without compromising due process for defendants. Victim-survivors should be assisted in identifying and, to the extent possible, obtaining what they need through the justice process. Victim-survivors should be provided as many options as possible for their involvement. All possible precautions should be taken to avoid or reduce additional trauma to victim-survivors through testimony, cross-examination or other parts of the process. If they wish, victim-survivors should be provided contact, directly or indirectly, with defense attorneys in order to address the above principles. The confidentiality of the information provided to the VOS must be maintained, consistent with the victim-survivor’s wishes. Victim Outreach Specialists must maintain the confidence of the defense team and do nothing to undermine their work. Because their primary focus is on the victim-survivors and their needs, a VOS should not be an immediate member of the defense team, should not be involved with any other aspect of the case (such as mitigation, advising) and, unless so requested by the victim, should not have contact with or direct knowledge of the defendant or his/her family. Involvement with DIVO is fully voluntary on the part of victim-survivors and should be available to them regardless of their stand on the death penalty. Once a relationship is established, the VOS should remain available to the victim-survivors throughout the legal proceedings and for a reasonable time beyond. To guard against misuse and unintended consequences, DIVO practice should be regularly evaluated and victim-survivors and/or victim advocates should be on oversight committees. — The Circle of Peers of the Georgia Council for Restorative Justice 2006