Victim Assistance and the Criminal Justice System - The Victim's Perspective (From From Crime Policy to Victim Policy, P 218-233, 1986, Ezzat A Fattah, ed. - See NCJ-102547)

• NCJ Number: 102558
• Author(s): J Shapland
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: St Martin's Press
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A study focusing on the impact of crime on its victims found that victims experience many persistent adverse effects and that the current approach to victim compensation in England does not meet their needs.

Abstract

The data came from a 3-year followup of 278 English victims of violent crimes. The victims were interviewed four times, starting 1 to 3 weeks after the offense. Immediately after the crime, most victims suffered considerable physical and emotional effects. Few suffered financial effects. The mental, physical, and social impacts tended to persist over time. Victims expected the criminal justice system to treat them considerately and to give them information about the progress of their cases. The attitudes of criminal justice personnel were the main determinants of victim satisfaction with the system. The system generally failed to give victims sufficient respect and concern. Attempts at compensation often did not respond to victims' needs to be kept informed and to be important parts of the criminal justice process. Society needs to change its views of victims. Victims do not want to be recipients of charity. They want compensation that provides recompense and gives them information as well as practical and emotional help. Notes and 16 references.