NCJ Number
85472
Date Published
Unknown
Length
53 pages
Annotation
This manual presents guidelines for organizing a coalition of organizations to serve as an advocacy committee on the subject of victims' rights.
Abstract
The core organizations of such coalitions are usually a victim/witness unit and representatives from law enforcement and local rape crisis and spouse abuse projects. Some communities have also included such groups as child and adult protective services agencies, self-help groups of homicide survivors and their victims, neighborhood crime resistance groups, community mental health agencies, and hospital emergency room staff. The purpose of such coalitions is to gain extensive media coverage and thus to reach the general public with information about the wrongs victims endure and about the rights which victims and their allies are trying to win. The first step in forming a coalition is contacting all the agencies and organizations which may be interested in victim services and asking them to send a representative to a meeting on victim rights. The first meeting should have a short agenda and should focus on an immediate goal such as a Victim Rights Week. Activities for a Victims' Rights Week could include a press conference, speakers, films, panel discussions, a public hearing, and distribution of printed materials. Guidelines are given for public relations and fundraising. An appendix presents sample materials such as a public service announcement, proclamation, and editorial.