NCJ Number
90223
Date Published
1982
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the design of victim service programs in Australia, including type of service, the target population, and service provider, as well as incorporating data collection and evaluation procedures in design.
Abstract
While there are provisions for monetary compensation to crime victims and some progress has been made in providing mental health services to some victims of crime, support services for the majority of victims of assault and burglary are generally not available. A common goal of victim support services should be to assist in reducing the trauma experienced by victims, thereby helping them resume a normal life as soon as possible. Advice from victims indicates they regard personal, unofficial sources of comfort and help as most beneficial in the immediate aftermath of their victimization. The use of unpaid volunteers facilitates the provision of such help. This also permits a more wide-ranging and comprehensive service than would be possible through services based solely on government funding. Government agencies are appropriate for funding and the provision of advice and specialist assistance for the design and development of programs, research, publicity, training of volunteers, etc. Evaluations of a program or service usually involves three components: () effort -- amount of activity and use of sources to achieve program goals; (2) effectiveness -- extent of achievement of desired effect; and (3) efficiency -- the relationship between effort and effectiveness. To facilitate such assessments, provision should be made in the service design for data collection on such matters as the number of clients served, outcome of service, service penetration, level of public awareness, etc. A chart is provided to show the range of service providers and type of services for various categories of victims.