NCJ Number
157287
Date Published
1991
Length
65 pages
Annotation
Victims' needs and services in Nova Scotia, Canada were studied to establish an information base about existing services, to identify funding priorities for community-based victims' services, and to present organizational strategies for service delivery.
Abstract
Information came from a literature review, structured interviews with 45 victims' service representatives, a questionnaire survey of community and agency representatives, and a survey of community agencies. The analysis focused on victims of common assaults and domestic assault, household theft victims, and sexual assault victims, including male and female victims and child, adult, and elderly victims. Results revealed that participants believe that all categories of victims have significant unmet service needs, the victims of sexual assault and domestic assault are in the greatest need. In contrast, property crime victims were considered to have relatively low levels of unmet needs. Crime victims have a wide variety of personal, financial, informational, and criminal justice- related needs. Although Nova Scotia has many community and criminal justice services, these services do not adequately meet many of these needs. Enhanced victim services and a systematic method for delivering such services are needed. Recommended actions and services, tables, and 27 references