NCJ Number
165897
Date Published
1996
Length
59 pages
Annotation
This study examines the effectiveness of various Dutch organizations in structuring and coordinating their crime victim services.
Abstract
The so-called Terwee law, which became effective in the Netherlands on April 1, 1995, is intended to improve the status of victims in criminal proceedings. The potential for victims to recoup damages from the offender have been expanded. The Terwee law is complemented with a directive that requires police and prosecutors to improve their services to victims. Police and prosecutors are charged with the responsibility of developing restitution arrangements at the earliest possible stage of case processing. To achieve an early agreement on restitution, the Terwee directive points toward establishing networks of organizations that can be instrumental in bringing about restitution. These include Halt bureaus (diversion programs for juveniles), probation and aftercare, Child Care and Protection Boards, and victim support and citizen's advice bureaus. In this report these agencies are referred to as intermediary organizations. This report is based on an evaluative study that was conducted on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. The study was a broad inventory of the experiences with the organization of victim services in all 19 districts. The study was conducted from November 1995 to February 1996. The study concludes that the Terwee law and directive have stimulated action on behalf of crime victims, and agreements have been reached and improvements planned. The implementation of plans and strategies, however, is incomplete.