Crime Victims: Doing Justice to Their Support and Protection

• NCJ Number: 202796
• Author(s): Irvin Waller
• Date Published: 2003
• Length: 64 pages
• Sale Source: United Nations European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control (HEUNI)
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Handbook
• Language: English
• Country: Finland

Annotation

This book addresses the various ways to care for victims of crime, internationally.

Abstract

Policies to reduce crime will never be completely effective; this handbook suggests that it is necessary to focus on the various ways that governments may aid the victims of criminal activity. Designed to provide advice to the policymaker, the advocate, and to voters, this handbook begins by detailing ways to improve the services and rights of victims by explaining that one in four citizens are victims of common crime each year. Many victims suffer repeated victimization, and crime victims suffer losses, injuries, and traumas equivalent to billions of dollars every year. The handbook suggests that there should be international standards in place so that all victims of crimes may be treated equally. Addressing the 1985 adoption of the Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power by the United Nations General Assembly, the author indicates that both the United Nations and the European principles have documented the ways that crime victims should be treated in order to support their recovery from loss and injury as well as trauma and secondary victimization. The Office for Victims of Crime, a component of the United States Department of Justice, provides a good example of a national responsibility center. This book describes various victim empowerment programs, victim support services, crime assistance centers, and police respect for victims procedures. Focusing on the critical steps for improving protection in a majority of international governments, the author indicates the importance of starting victim assistance programs with pathfinder projects. The development of national service and policy centers and the consolidating and mainstreaming within police, court, and correctional departments is also highlighted in this document. The author notes that pilot projects and crime surveys effectively raise awareness concerning victimization.