Which step requires input from the VIC prior to finalization?

• A. Formal Submission
• B. Signatures by Parties
• C. VIC Consultation
• D. Negotiations

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is ensuring the victim’s perspective is included before a decision or document is finalized. The step that does this is the VIC Consultation, a formal phase that brings in the Victim Information and Consultation input so the VIC can raise concerns, provide recommendations, and ensure victim-related considerations are reflected in the final outcome. This input before finalization helps protect victims’ rights and improves the legitimacy and fairness of the result.

The other steps are more about procedural actions: formal submission is simply presenting the required materials to move the process forward; signatures by parties are about obtaining the necessary approvals or consent from those involved; negotiations involve bargaining terms among the parties. While they are important parts of the overall process, they do not inherently require mandatory input from the VIC prior to finalization, which is why the consultation step stands out as the one that explicitly requires VIC input.