NCJ Number
140983
Date Published
1991
Length
356 pages
Annotation
This statistical study surveyed 204 male and female victims of violence, property crimes, and various other offenses in a West German city.
Abstract
The sample population responded to a detailed questionnaire either directly after reporting the offense to the police or after the criminal proceedings. The results indicated that the majority of victims (46.8 percent) reported the offense only to satisfy insurance requirements. About 16 percent wanted to see the offender punished while 14 percent wanted to prevent a recurrence of the offense. Only 6.4 percent expected to regain a stolen object through the police. Although each victim responded to the crime in a highly individual way, most victims felt that the psychological effects were more significant than the physical ones. Though most victims rejected any negotiations or even conversations with the offenders, many felt that counseling would be helpful. Above all, they wanted to overcome the immediate shock, to receive quick restitution for their damages, and to find a sympathetic environment. The article concludes that crime victims have as much need for social rehabilitation as offenders. The questionnaire, a detailed English summary, and a bibliography are appended.