NCJ Number
108074
Journal
Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: (July 1987) Pages: 84-88
Date Published
1987
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the status of the victim rights movement in India and the need for a comprehensive victim code, victim services, and crime prevention programs.
Abstract
The problem in India is threefold: to create public awareness of victimization in order to prevent crime and encourage victims to seek help; to sensitize the criminal justice and welfare systems to victims' needs; and to organize victim assistance services. Following a review of victim advocacy in India, the paper outlines provisions that a victim code should include. Areas where victim assistance is needed are examined, from the time a victim reports a crime to the police through the trial proceedings. While some victim assistance is available in India, the paper concludes that it is not yet satisfactory or widely available. A plan of action is outlined that covers legislation, training for law enforcement, and a network of victim assistance centers. The paper also proposes crime prevention program to discourage the careless behavior of potential victims and the criminal behavior of potential offenders. 5 references.