NCJ Number
223152
Date Published
2007
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses matching service delivery to the needs of crime victims in general, with attention to this effort in the United Kingdom.
Abstract
In the United Kingdom, victim services have achieved some success in matching service delivery to victims' needs. The success is qualified, however, by some difficulties that present major challenges in developing supportive interventions. One difficulty is the distinction between wants, needs, and expectations. This distinction must be clear before services needs can be properly assessed and matched to service delivery. Having been victimized does not necessarily mean the victim needs or wants supportive interventions. Over the last two decades in the United Kingdom there have been only limited achievements in refining needs assessment methods or in demonstrating the effectiveness of service in meeting identified victim needs. Victim services have failed to respond adequately to the particular needs of minority groups. There has been little effort to identify and respond to the distinctive victim needs of minority groups, those who do not speak English, and victims who are homosexual. Further, victim services have not been effective in providing adequate protection from repeat victimization for those most at risk. Also the maintenance of a volunteer-led approach for victim services may reduce cost and foster community involvement in addressing the impacts of crime, but it also limits service quality, treatment integrity, and evidence-based practice. 9 notes and 37 references