Dutch Victim Guidelines and Their Impact on Victim Satisfaction (From International Victimology, P 133-140, 1996, Chris Sumner, Mark Israel, et al., eds. - See NCJ-169474)

• NCJ Number: 169489
• Author(s): J M Wemmers
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This article reports on a survey to measure the impact of the 1986 Dutch Victim Guidelines upon the treatment of victims by police and criminal justice agencies.

Abstract

Although the guidelines have been in effect since 1987, implementation is modest. Few victims are treated in complete accordance with the guidelines, many in part and most not at all. The article concludes that the consideration displayed by the authorities towards victims goes much further towards satisfying victims than securing the outcomes desired by the victims. Victims appeared far more likely to express dissatisfaction with the police for failing to keep them informed than for failing to solve the case. In addition, victims had realistic expectations and were more concerned about process than result. No support was found for the assumption that disappointment intensifies victim dissatisfaction. The police were perceived as more effective in implementing the guidelines than prosecutors. The article recommends that, before considering further changes in the formal position of victims, implementation of existing guidelines should be improved. Tables, references