NCJ Number
35521
Journal
Victimology - An International Journal Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (SPRING 1976) Pages: 84-97
Date Published
1976
Length
14 pages
Annotation
MANY VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAMS ARE SHOWN TO BE INADEQUATE IN - OR TO EXPRESSLY PRECLUDE - BENEFITS TO CHILDREN CONCEIVED IN RAPE, DESPITE SUPERFICIAL APPEARANCES OF COMPREHENSIVENESS.
Abstract
ONE OF THE MOST COMMON FORMS OF INDIRECT EXCLUSION IS SHOWN TO BE LIMITATIONS ON THE AMOUNT OF BENEFITS. FEW PROGRAMS ARE SAID TO ALLOW THE TOTAL AWARD TO EXCEED 10,000 DOLLARS. THE EFFECT OF SUCH LIMITATIONS ON AWARDS TO CHILDREN IS SAID TO BE GREATER THAN FOR CRIME VICTIMS IN GENERAL BECAUSE MOST REQUIRE COMPENSATION ONLY FOR MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL EXPENSES AND TEMPORARY LOSSES OF EARNINGS. CHILDREN, HOWEVER, REQUIRE SUPPORT UNTIL THEY ARE SELF-SUFFICIENT - USUALLY AT LEAST 18 YEARS. ATTEMPTS TO DENY CHILD BENEFITS BY ATTRIBUTION OF VICTIM RESPONSIBILITY OR BECAUSE OF A VICTIM-CRIMINAL RELATIONSHIP ARE SIMILARLY CRITICIZED. THE HOPE IS EXPRESSED THAT PUBLIC AND LEGISLATIVE AWARENESS OF THE SCOPE OF BENEFITS FOR SUCH CHILDREN WILL CAUSE A REEVALUATION OF THE ADEQUACY OF THESE PROGRAMS.