NCJ Number
76938
Date Published
1980
Length
96 pages
Annotation
Papers delivered at the University of Sydney (Australia) Institute of Criminology seminar on victim compensation restitution, and victim-support programs are presented.
Abstract
One paper is a modified version of a recent report of the Australian Law Reform Commission on sentencing of Federal offenders. The report recommended Federal legislation for a Commonwealth victim compensation scheme. Model schemes in other countries are reviewed; it is argued that to adopt the principle of victim compensation and then to implement it only partially is insufficient. Another paper describes the inauguration of the Victims-Of-Crime Service in Adelaide, South Australia; details its aims, as set out in the constitution; provides a brief history and overview of its operations; and comments on major outcomes. The service is a nonsectarian, voluntary organization which aims to help crime victims return to normal living and to develop a public voice for them. A further paper discusses victims of crime in New South Wales and legislation allowing for compensation. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Act recognized that the government has an obligation to provide some assistance to victims since the Crimes Act of 1900, which allowed for compensation by offenders, was ineffective. New South Wales was the first Australian State to introduce such legislation. Three brief discussion papers are concerned with the need for reform of criminal injuries compensation in New South Wales, practical suggestions for victim restitution and support programs, and a probation and parole officer's observations on victim compensation. The seminar's concluding discussion is provided. Data tables, footnotes, and references for each paper are supplied.