NCJ Number
178001
Date Published
1998
Length
220 pages
Annotation
This volume examines the crime victim and the criminal justice process, based on the authors' theoretical knowledge as researchers and teachers and their practical experiences as a victim advocate, hotline volunteer, rape crisis and domestic assault counselor, guardian ad litem, and juvenile justice counselor.
Abstract
The text begins with an overview of the historical handling of crime victims by the criminal justice system, an analysis of typologies of crime victims, a discussion of legislation affecting victims, and information on the measurement of crime victimization. Additional chapters discuss the criminal justice system response to victims, including the responses of police, courts, and corrections. They include discussions of the impact that police can have on crime victims, police liability issues, police-based victim-witness programs, court-based victim-witness programs, restorative justice policies, the development and use of victim impact statements, victim participation in the parole process, restitution, and victim compensation. Further chapters focus on female victims of domestic assault, marital rape, and sexual harassment; child abuse; and abuse of elderly persons. Other chapters examine sexual assault and hate crime in terms of their definitions and impact on victims. The final section examines crime prevention issues; programs for victims in foreign countries; and the future of the victim's movement with respect to legislative initiatives, victim services, and &criminal justice policy. Figures, tables, list of national crime victim assistance programs, and chapter reference lists