Victims, the Criminal Justice System and Compensation

• NCJ Number: 94771
• Journal: British Journal of Criminology Volume: 24 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1984) Pages: 131-149
• Author(s): J Shapland
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

A longitudinal study of 278 English victims of violent crime examined their experiences with and attitudes toward the criminal justice system.

Abstract

Victims were found to be vital in the reporting and investigation of cases and essential as providers of evidence to the court. The great majority of victims (75 percent) were 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with police at first contact. Throughout the process, the attitudes of police and the concern they expressed were major determinants of victim satisfaction. Prompt police response also was a factor in satisfaction. Victims' need for information was present throughout the investigative and court processes. While victims were not particularly punitive in the sentences they wished the offender to receive, they did feel that compensation should have played a much larger part. Only 20 percent of victims whose offenders were sentenced received compensation orders, and many of these were for small amounts. Results suggest a paradox within the criminal justice system. The system depends heavily upon victims for reporting and detection of offenses and for the provision of evidence in court, yet it does not appear to value the victim. Victim concern with attitudes, information, and consultation is an expression of the need to be valued, to be wanted, and to be considered an important participant. The system is not geared to the victim's perspective. The victim's problems in the system may be seen to stem from his/her lack of status or accepted role within the system, as well as from the system's failure to meet the victim's expectations. Similarly, victim assistance and compensation projects have been set up without regard to or investigation of the victim's expressed needs, for most victims, compensation was judged against a background of mental, not financial suffering, and compensation served the symbolic function of making a statement about the offense, the criminal justice system, and the victim's role. The need for a change, particularly attitudinal change, to a more victim-centered is emphasized.