NCJ Number
204141
Journal
Crime Prevention and Community Safety: An International Journal Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: 2004 Pages: 65-69
Editor(s)
Rob Mawby
Date Published
2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article provides a review of victim support and victim assistance programs and services accessible through Web sites for the United Kingdom, United States, and Europe.
Abstract
Services for crime victims in the United Kingdom began with the first victim support scheme set up in Bristol in 1973-1974. The United Kingdom's Web site on victim support identifies it as multi-faceted. The services provided online include, but are not limited to: advice sheets on topics such as burglary, child victims, and court proceedings, the publicizing of recent initiatives, and a search facility. The Web site also provides good links to other Web sites, especially support services in other European countries. The European Forum for Victim Services was established in 1990 to promote the development of effective services for victims of crime, promote fair and equal compensation for all victims of crime, and promote the rights of victims of crime in Europe. The starting point is the International Victimology Web site which has two databases, one on good practice in service delivery and the other on ongoing research. Victim services in the United States emerged slightly earlier than in the United Kingdom with many of the early initiatives being court-based, rather than support at the time of the offense. In addition, they prioritized violent crime rather than property crime. The National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) serves as the umbrella organization and its Web site is a good starting place for exploring the extensive victim services available across the United States. Links are also provided which detail victim assistance programs and advice for those who have suffered crime. Another useful resource for academics is the Web site of the United States Federal Government, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). While this review is certainly not exhaustive it illustrates the extent of progress in providing victim support and assistance programs in Western societies, as well as the extent of variation in the services offered in different countries. References