VICTIM SERVICE MODELS AND THEIR EFFICACY

• NCJ Number: 36157
• Author(s): J P J DUSSICH
• Date Published: 1975
• Length: 23 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: PRESENTED TO THE INTL ADVANCED STUDY INSTITUTE ON VICTIMOLOGY AND THE NEEDS OF CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY, BELLAGIO, ITALY, 1-12 JULY 1975.

Annotation

VICTIMS SERVICE PROGRAMS ARE COMPARED IN TERMS OF THE OBJECTIVES, MODEL STRUCTURES AND OUTPUTS OF PROGRAMS OF POLICE AGENCIES, PROSECUTORS' OFFICES, HOSPITALS, PRIVATE AGENCIES, AND VOLUNTEER AGENCIES.

Abstract

IT IS SAID THAT PROGRAMS LOCATED WITH THE POLICE AGENCY SEEM TO OFFER THE VICTIM MORE. IN TERMS OF IMMEDIATE RESPONSE, VICTIMS ARE REFERRED QUICKER AND MORE OFTEN. IN TERMS OF LONG-RANGE PERMANENT EFFECT, THE POLICE AGENCY IS SAID TO OFFER THE GREATEST POTENTIAL FOR CHANGE, IN THAT THEY WILL ALWAYS BE FIRST ON THE SCENE AND THUS THEIR PROCEDURES WILL ULTIMATELY HAVE TO INCLUDE SPECIALIZED HANDLING OF VICTIMS. THIS SPECIALIZED HANDLING IS DEVELOPING INTO A NEW PROFESSION - VICTIM ADVOCACY. THEIR MAIN MISSION IS TO ADDRESS THE PLIGHT OF VICTIMS LOCALLY AND GENERATE NEW TECHNIQUES, STRATEGIES, AND SYSTEMS FOR HUMANIZING THE WAY VICTIMS ARE DEALT WITH BY THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)