NCJ Number
123572
Date Published
1990
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This statement of the rights of crime victims in the United Kingdom covers recent changes in victims' rights, the victim's charter, standards for victim services in criminal justice agencies, and victim issues for the future.
Abstract
Recent changes in the status of crime victims in Great Britain pertain to expansion of the number of victim compensation schemes and increases in the amounts paid, improved and expanded information for crime victims, the provision of guidelines for the treatment of rape victims, measures to improve the operation of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, victim compensation through the Council of Europe, and the increased use of monetary restitution by the courts. Guiding principles for victims' rights and services include the fair treatment of victims without adverse discrimination and particular consideration to vulnerable victims such as children, traumatized victims, and victims of sexual or violent crimes. Police responsibilities in the provision of victim services are delineated, including services offered to victims in the context of criminal proceedings. The booklet provides crime victims guidance on going to court, participating in court proceedings, and giving evidence. It provides a checklist of questions to test how well crime victims are treated by various criminal justice agencies.