Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT typically a role of witnesses in abuse cases?

1. Identifying the abuser in a lineup

2. Corroborating the victim's account of events

3. Providing information about the environment

4. Gathering evidence directly

The correct answer is: Gathering evidence directly

Witnesses in abuse cases play a crucial role in providing information that supports the investigation and prosecution of the alleged offender. Their contributions typically include corroborating the victim's account of events, which helps to establish credibility and context. Additionally, witnesses can provide valuable insights about the environment in which the abuse occurred, shedding light on circumstances or factors that may have contributed to the situation. While identifying the abuser in a lineup is a potential role for certain witnesses, it is not always applicable in all abuse cases. Nonetheless, gathering evidence directly falls outside the typical responsibilities of a witness. This function is primarily the responsibility of law enforcement or trained investigators who are equipped to collect and process evidence in a systematic manner. Witnesses can provide testimonies and observations, but they do not engage in the direct gathering of evidence, making this choice the correct answer.