NCJ Number
113956
Date Published
1988
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This assessment of British victims support schemes (VSS) indicates that although VSS have met certain victims' needs, their present structure and approach are not well suited to the development of a comprehensive service for victims and may even hinder the recognition and handling of particular victimization problems.
Abstract
Data on the VSS model were collected during a 2-year study of VSS (Maguire and Corbett, 1987) and from subsequent discussions with people involved in VSS. In the few years of its existence, the VSS movement has provided compensation and services to numerous victims, primarily burglary victims. It has grown rapidly and established itself as a respected organization within the voluntary sector. Despite its high profile and recent injection of financial resources from the government, however, VSS remains a 'grass-roots,' low-budget enterprise which relies upon volunteers. Its local groups are diverse and independent, differing in aims, objectives, and service standards. Such an organization cannot achieve comprehensive coverage for crime victims. Although weaknesses in the service area may be amenable to gradual improvement and change under the current model, the most important issues for VSS in the long term may be those concerned with fundamental questions about the nature of victimization and the aims of a major victims organization. 6 notes.