NCJ Number
210884
Journal
Justice Actualites Report Volume: 20 Issue: 3 Dated: Summer 2005 Pages: 6-8
Date Published
2005
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article presents the views of victims on their experiences with the Canadian Correctional System.
Abstract
In 1992, the Government of Canada moved to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) to incorporate certain rights for victims, such as access to information about inmates and the services available to them. These measures have been in place for over 10 years and yet relatively little is known about why victims want to be involved in the correctional process following the sentencing enforcement phase. This article presents findings from 17 in-depth interviews with victims of violence in Canada. The victims spoke of their fear and anger, as well as their desire to gain correctional information to help allay their fears. Victims wanted to ensure that the correctional departments had met their obligations and had demonstrated appropriate concern for the victim’s and the community’s safety before releasing offenders. Most victims reported following the correctional proceedings to the end to honor those they lost or to ensure the offender was brought to justice. Victims also displayed a hope of reparation by the offender; one which was rarely fulfilled. The Canadian correctional system is encouraged to enhance victim services and to treat victims in a humane fashion.