NCJ Number
211997
Date Published
April 2002
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This is the Spanish-language version of a document entitled "What You Can Do If You Are a Victim of Crime," which explains crime victims' rights, how they can get help, and ways they can work for positive change.
Abstract
Most States have amended their constitutions to guarantee specified rights to crime victims. These rights typically include the right to be notified of all court proceedings related to the offense, the right to receive reasonable protection from the accused suspect, and the right to have input at sentencing. There are also a variety of services and resources for crime victims. These services are available from government agencies and private, nonprofit faith-based and charitable organizations. The two general types of services provided are compensation and assistance. Compensation programs reimburse victims for costs related to their victimization, such as the costs of medical treatment, mental health services, funeral and burial services, and lost wages or loss of support. Victim services can include crisis intervention, counseling, emergency shelter, criminal justice advocacy, and transportation. Financial support for many of these programs is provided through the Federal Crime Victims Fund, which was established under the Victims of Crime Act. Many crime victims have turned their victimization into a resource for helping other victims. This includes volunteering their time and resources to create and staff programs such as shelters and crisis hotlines, to engage in legislative advocacy, and to serve on victim impact panels. Contact information is provided for national government agencies and private organizations that assist crime victims, as well as State government agencies that provide compensation and services for crime victims.
Date Published: April 1, 2002