NCJ Number
56425
Date Published
1979
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILMSTRIP PROGRAM WITH A DISCUSSION GUIDE FOCUSES ON CRIME VICTIMS--THEIR ATTITUDES TOWARD VICTIMIZATION, THEIR COMPENSATION FOR CRIME, AND THEIR PERCEPTIONS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
Abstract
IN THIS FILM A BURGLARY AND MUGGING VICTIM AND A RAPE CRISIS CENTER COUNSELOR DISCUSS THE FEELINGS OF HELPLESSNESS, GUILT, CONFUSION, AND SORROW EXPERIENCED BY CRIME VICTIMS. VICTIMS REPORT THAT FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES BEHAVE DIFFERENTLY TOWARDS THEM AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN VICTIMIZED, ALMOST AS IF THEY WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CRIME. VICTIMS CAN EXPECT LITTLE IF ANY COMPENSATION--SOME STATES HAVE VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAMS, BUT THEY ARE DIFFICULT TO QUALIFY FOR, AND A FEW STATES HAVE EXPERIMENTAL SENTENCES WHICH REQUIRE OFFENDERS TO PAY FOR THEIR OFFENSE. VICTIMS CAN EXPECT LITTLE SATISFACTION FROM SEEING JUSTICE DONE. CRIMINALS ARE USUALLY EITHER NOT APPREHENDED, NOT CONVICTED, OR PLEAD TO A SECONDARY CHARGE AND ARE PAROLED AFTER A SHORT TIME IN PRISON. MANY VICTIMS, PARTICULARY RAPE VICTIMS, DO NOT EVEN REPORT CRIME BECAUSE (1) THEY DO NOT THINK THAT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM CAN DO ANYTHING TO RESOLVE THEIR CASES AND (2) THEY WISH TO AVOID THE HARDSHIPS THAT MANY VICTIMS MUST GO THROUGH TO BRING THEIR CASES TO TRIAL. DUE TO THE POOR PERFORMANCE OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN RESOLVING CRIMES, MANY VICTIMS AND CITIZENS ARE NOW BECOMING AGGRESSIVE ADVOCATES OF VICTIM'S RIGHTS OR ARE ARMING THEMSELVES FOR PROTECTION. MANY WOMEN ARE TAKING COURSES IN SELF-DEFENSE. SOME OFFICIALS FEAR THAT THESE STEPS WILL LEAD TO VIGILANTISM, BUT IF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUE TO IGNORE VICTIMS AND FOCUS THEIR ATTENTION ON THE CRIMINALS, IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO STOP SUCH MOVEMENTS. (DAG)