NCJ Number
75103
Date Published
1976
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper presents an overview of problems confronting crime victims, identifies service approaches to assist crime victims, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of providing victim advocate services as part of comprehensive crisis intervention centers.
Abstract
Victims may not only fear the suffering of financial loss and emotional trauma as a result of a criminal act, but they may also feel further victimized by the criminal justice system itself. A variety of models have been established to provide victim advocacy services. In each, some emphasis has been given to immediately available crisis intervention and information and referral services. Probably no other community program is better able to quickly and economically provide both crisis intervention and resources facilitation services than the crisis center, especially the crisis center with a strong background in suicide prevention. Crime victim advocacy services demand many of the same characteristics of effective crisis intervention: immediate response, around the clock services, committed and dedicated workers, an active intervention philosophy, an effective working relationship with law enforcement agencies, and skills in crisis counseling, bereavement, and death investigations. Although problem areas exist, such as relationships with law enforcement personnel, territoriality, staff resistance, and victim/offender relationships, crisis centers have an opportunity to provide effective crime victim advocacy services. One chart and three references are included. (Author abstract modified)