Evolution of the Victim Witness Services Movement in the United States, in California, and in Orange County, California

• NCJ Number: 128648
• Author(s): R C Sylvester
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 193 pages
• Sale Source: August Vollmer University
• Publication Type: Thesis/Dissertation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: August Vollmer University -- doctoral dissertation

Annotation

This movement to develop services for victims and witnesses in the United States is examined in terms of its historical development nationally, in California, and in Orange County (Calif.).

Abstract

Each of these movements had an identifiable starting point. The national movement began in 1971 with the opening of a center to aid rape victims. A prosecuting attorney's association later became involved, and in 1974 financing became available from the Federal government. The Second National Conference on Victim Services was held in 1971 and presented three models of service providers: probation, police, and prosecutor. In California a small number of service centers had already been providing services, and the number gradually expanded. The centers were initially supported with Federal funds; later, local legislation provided funds. In Orange County, the District Attorney initially provided limited services. In 1978, this effort was replaced by a private, nonprofit program. 74 references, appended background information, and biographies of individuals involved in the movement