Utah Special Function Officer (SFO) Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered a primary victim?

1. A close friend of the victim

2. The victim themselves

3. The community

4. The first responders

The correct answer is: The victim themselves

In the context of victimology and trauma response, the primary victim refers specifically to the individual who directly experiences a crime or traumatic event. This individual is the one who suffers physical, emotional, or psychological harm as a result of the incident. In this case, selecting the victim themselves as the primary victim clearly aligns with this definition, as they are the direct recipient of the harm or violence. Other options, like a close friend of the victim, may experience secondary trauma or emotional distress due to their relationship with the victim, but they do not fall under the category of primary victims since they were not the direct targets of the harmful act. Similarly, the community and first responders can also be affected by an incident, but they are not primary victims in the legal and psychological contexts because their experiences are not a result of personal victimization; rather, they relate to collective or supportive roles surrounding the incident. Thus, understanding the distinction helps clarify why the victim themselves is the correct answer in identifying a primary victim.