NCJ Number
152253
Journal
Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 22 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1994) Pages: 15-20
Date Published
1994
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article addresses the need for renewed emphasis on and enhanced sensitivity to the rights of victims in the criminal justice system.
Abstract
For too long, the victims of crime have been forgotten and forsaken by the criminal justice system. If victims come to regard their treatment as unfair, a distortion of reality or little concerned with their rights, feelings and interests, or if they regard decisions as unsatisfactory, this secondary victimization by the system may lead to disinterest and future noncooperation by victims. When victims choose not to cooperate with the system, it will collapse. Therefore, there is a need for renewal of emphasis and enhanced sensitivity to the rights of the victim. Although victims' rights to assistance is more acceptable in developed countries, in India there are very limited provisions for compensation to the victims of crime by the offenders. Victims' rights and interests must be included in the Indian criminal justice system; victims should be made whole with monetary recovery and support services. References