Social Work and Survivor Assistance (From Social Work in Juvenile and Criminal Justice Settings, Third Edition, P 247-268, 2007, Albert R. Roberts and David W. Springer, eds. -- See NCJ-217866)

• NCJ Number: 217885
• Author(s): Arlene Bowers Andrews
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 22 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter provides an overview of the basic knowledge and skills social workers need in order to provide effective services to crime victims.

Abstract

A section on the magnitude of criminal victimizations reports that in 2003, U.S. residents age 12 or older experienced approximately 24 millions crimes, with 77 percent being property crimes and 22 percent violent crimes. The frequency of various types of crime and the victimization risk for particular population groups are reviewed. A section on the conceptual framework for social-work action in serving crime victims focuses on values, ecological context, and a continuum of care that ranges from prevention to recovery. Values pertain to human rights and civil rights. The ecological context pertains to the victim's social environment. Within this ecological context, victimization is a dynamic process that can be influenced by social-work interventions. A brief overview of the victimization process is provided, followed by descriptions of social-work responses based in evidence-based practices. The social-work responses are categorized as primary prevention, secondary prevention/early intervention, crisis and initial intervention, and recovery support. Primary prevention includes actions designed to influence individual behaviors, such as teaching children prosocial skills so that they never become perpetrators, although it most often targets an entire population by changing societal structures and social norms. Secondary prevention targets at-risk populations, typically those who engage in minor antisocial acts, in order to reduce escalation or recidivism. Crisis and initial intervention occurs after victimization has occurred. It involves first responses and immediate victim assistance. Recovery support involves tailoring assistance to the unique needs of the victims. It can involve victim-witness assistance in the criminal justice process, mental health services, treatment for violence and exploitation in families, victim compensation, vicarious traumatization, and restorative justice procedures. 2 figures and 136 references