NCJ Number
64528
Date Published
1980
Length
10 pages
Annotation
CRIME VICTIMS, NEGLECTED BY THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, COMPLAIN OF FEAR OF REPRISALS FROM CRIMINALS, LACK OF INFORMATION, SLOW TRIALS, AND LEADING ATTITUDES BY OFFICIALS.
Abstract
CRIME VICTIMS ARE ATTRACTING NEW ATTENTION AND INTEREST. HOWEVER, ALTHOUGH NEARLY HALF THE STATES IN THE U.S. HAVE PASSED COMPENSATION LAWS FOR CRIME VICTIMS, MOST PROGRAMS HAVE FUNDING DIFFICULTIES OR REQUIRE APPLICANTS TO BE POOR. FEDERAL COMPENSATION FUNDS ARE LIMITED TO 25 PERCENT OF ALL AWARDS. CARE AND SUCCOR OF CRIME VICTIMS IS LIMITED BY THE CURRENT PROTECTIVE ATTITUDE TOWARD CRIMINAL DEFENDANTS, AND CRIME VICTIMS ARE IGNORED AND INCONVENIENCED IN MANY WAYS BY COURTS, PROSECUTORS, AND POLICE. VICTIMS SUFFICIENTLY BRAVE TO TESTIFY ARE NOT USUALLY OFFERED PROTECTION, AND CANNOT USUALLY GET INFORMATION ABOUT A CASE ONCE IT IS IN THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM. ALTHOUGH VIOLENT STREET CRIME IS THE MOST FEARED, MOST VIOLENT CRIMES OCCUR BETWEEN FRIENDS OR RELATIONS. BUT SOCIETY IS AMBIVALENT IN DEALING WITH DOMESTIC CRIME, ALTHOUGH THE WOMEN'S MOVEMENT HAS BEEN EFFECTING MORE WIFE-BEATING ARRESTS AND TRIALS. NEVERTHELESS, HOW MUCH THE CRIMINAL PROCESS SHOULD INTRUDE IN DOMESTIC RELATIONS HAS YET TO BE DECIDED. FINALLY, WITNESS INTIMIDATION BY THE DEFENSE AT TRIAL IS WIDESPREAD BUT POORLY ADDRESSED IN LAW. ALTHOUGH INVESTIGATION OR PROSECUTION OF INTIMIDATION ARE DIFFICULT, THEY MUST BE FOSTERED. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITIZEN GROUPS BE SET UP TO ASSIST VICTIMS. NOTES AND AN APPENDED COMMENTARY ARE INCLUDED. (PAP)