Perspectives of Justice for Victims of Sexual Violence

• NCJ Number: 213548
• Journal: Victims & Offenders Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: 2006 Pages: 33-46
• Author(s): Cheryl Regehr; Ramona Alaggia
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 14 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the perceptions of two groups of professionals--agents of the court and victim therapists/advocates--regarding the role, experience, and outcome for victims of sexual violence whose cases have been processed in the criminal justice system.

Abstract

Court agents and victim therapists/advocates differed in their view of how the victim is to be treated in criminal justice processing. Whereas, court agents viewed victims of sexual violence as victim-witnesses in a criminal case that focused on the issue of the defendant's guilt or innocence, the victim therapist/advocate viewed the criminal justice system as a vehicle for bringing justice to the victim in terms of verifying the wrongs done, vindicating the harm done to the victim, and ensuring that services are provided the victim to address the consequence of the crime. Therapists/advocates indicated that victims expected that reporting the crime and participating in the criminal court process would enable them to regain a sense of control, have their victimization experiences validated, and either see the offender punished or obtain an apology. Although some of the therapists/advocates did not believe victims experienced healing through the criminal case processing, others believed positive outcomes were more likely if judges, lawyers, and police were better trained in dealing with victims/needs. Fourteen key informants were interviewed; 7 were from the justice system, including defense and prosecuting attorneys, judges, and police; and 7 were members of the therapeutic or advocacy community. The long-interview method permitted interviewers to explore in detail the perspectives of these professionals regarding the goals of the justice system, the role of victims within the system, the potential for healing of victims within the system, and the perceived expectations of victims who enter the justice system, as well as perceived outcomes for victims. 1 figure and 29 references