NCJ Number
154527
Journal
Key to Commonwealth Corrections Issue: 30 Dated: (Winter 1994/95) Pages: 1-4
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
In England and Wales, there is increasing recognition that the criminal justice system should be more victim-centered and that crime victims should be treated with understanding and respect by the criminal justice system.
Abstract
Recent changes in policy and practice have helped to establish victim rights in England and Wales, although the concept of the victim as a consumer of the criminal justice system is not straightforward. Victims should have rights, and the criminal justice system should treat them with sensitivity, understanding, and respect. However, victims are frequently not informed about the progress and outcome of their case and often do not know whether the suspect has been arrested and charged. Further, many victims are not told that the offender has been given bail or is on temporary release from prison. An increased awareness of victim needs has led many criminal justice agencies in England and Wales to improve their policies and practices involving crime victims, but difficulties have been encountered in establishing victim rights. Even so, a national association known as Victim Support has been established to provide victim services. Victim Support is a voluntary organization supported by public funds, and its services are free. The organization offers a range of victim services, including advice on compensation and insurance matters, information on police and court procedures, and liaison with local authorities and other organizations on the victim's behalf. Because Victim Support does not have sufficient resources to support everyone who needs help, more resources need to be devoted to victim services.